Journey back to the 13th century. It was a time when a young princess named Isabel was born into a family of saints, emperors, and kings. Now standing before the Paróquia Santa Isabel de Portugal, let me tell you her story.
This church is dedicated to Queen Saint Isabel of Portugal. She was known for her piety, charity, humility, and her tireless pursuit of peace. The Paróquia Santa Isabel de Portugal stands as a beacon. It is a place where her virtues are remembered and celebrated.
Isabel was born in 1271 in Zaragoza, Spain. Her mother named her after Saint Isabel of Hungary. The hope was that she would emulate her virtues. Isabel’s life was marked by devotion from a young age.
At just 12 years old, Isabel married Dom Diniz. He was the King of Portugal. Despite the challenges of court life and Dom Diniz’s infidelities, Isabel remained steadfast in her faith and compassion. She had two children, Constança and Afonso. Isabel also raised Diniz’s illegitimate children with the same love and care.
Isabel was known for her deep piety. She maintained a life of prayer and meditation. She always sought reconciliation and peace between people and nations. Her deep charity made her sensitive to the needs of the poor and excluded.
After her husband’s death, Isabel became a Franciscan. She dedicated herself to charitable works she had founded. Isabel died on July 4, 1336, at the age of 65. She passed while trying to reconcile her son, Dom Afonso IV of Portugal, and her grandson, Dom Afonso XI of Castela. They had declared war on each other.
Even today, Queen Saint Isabel is venerated for her virtues. In the Igreja de Santa Clara in Coimbra, Portugal, you can visit her incorruptible body. It rests in a silver and glass sarcophagus.
The people affectionately call her our Patron Saint Isabel. She inspires us to follow Jesus. To build peace, share justice, and spread joy to those who suffer.
Isabel’s holiness was evident in her compassion for the poor. One day, she took a leper into her royal chambers and tended to his wounds. When King Dom Diniz found out, he rushed to reprimand her. But upon entering the room, he saw the leper’s face transform into the face of Jesus. The king then begged forgiveness from Queen Saint Isabel.
Her fame spread throughout the kingdom. All the poor flocked to her. She distributed everything she owned among them. She often descended with her apron full of coins and food. Isabel founded orphanages and built many churches.
King Dom Diniz often scolded her generosity. He eventually forbade her from helping the poor. So, Isabel chose days when the king was away to gather the poor. She secretly distributed money and food. It was during one of these occasions that the famous “Miracle of the Roses” occurred.
Isabel was leaving to distribute bread to the poor. It was winter and there were no flowers or green branches in the garden. She walked through the courtyard with her apron full of bread. Her maids warned her that the king was returning due to bad weather. The king stopped her and asked what she was carrying.
“They are roses… roses… my lord,” she said. The king smiled ironically. He looked at the dry garden. “Roses, in this winter?” he asked.
“Yes, they are roses,” said the queen. The maids paled, fearing the king would punish Isabel’s lie. Then Isabel calmly opened her cloak, saying, “See, my lord, they are roses, fragrant and very beautiful!”
The king, the maids, and everyone present understood that a great miracle had occurred. The king dismounted from his horse and kissed the saintly hands of the pious queen.
As you stand here at the Paróquia Santa Isabel de Portugal remember her legacy. Her life reminds us of the power of compassion and faith. Let us carry her spirit of reconciliation and charity in our hearts.