Feast of Santa Elisabetta, Queen of Portugal

Santa Elisabetta, ora pro nobis

July 8th is the Feast of Santa Elisabetta of Portugal, Holy Queen and Peacemaker. She is the patron saint of nurses, the poor, the homeless and widows. Born in Zaragoza, Spain in 1271, she was the daughter of King Pedro III of Aragon and Queen Constantia II of Sicily. Named after her great-aunt St. Elizabeth of Hungary, she lived a pious life of prayer and sacrifice. A tertiary of the Franciscan Order, her compassion towards the sick and the poor endeared her to the whole of Christendom. She famously rode her horse between the apposing armies of her husband and rebellious son and reconciled them before there was any bloodshed. In celebration, I'm posting a Prayer to St. Elizabeth of Portugal. The accompanying photo was taken at the National Centre for Padre Pio in Barto, Pennsylvania. Evviva Santa Elisabetta!

Prayer to St. Elizabeth of Portugal

Father of peace and love, you gave Saint Elizabeth the gift of reconciling enemies. By the help of her prayers give us the courage to work for peace among men, that we may be called the sons of God. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.