Saint Elizabeth of Aragon

Daughter of Peter III, King of Aragon and Constança, Queen of Castile

AD 1271-1336

Born: Zaragoza, Kingdom of Aragon

Survived: being mounted on a mule between two opposing armies in order to stop the conflict, spousal persecution

Miracles: bread changing into roses

Died: Estremoz, Kingdom of Portugal Patron Saint of charities, charity workers, peace, queens, victims of unfaithfulness, widows, brides

Known as a peacemaker, even from an early age Elizabeth was known to attend mass twice daily and to fast often. She devoted her life to the poor and to those who were sick which irritated her husband to the point that it is said that he wanted to kill her for her fastidious service to feed the needy. Thwarting this assassination by a miracle the King’s heart was eventually turned and Elizabeth became an important political ally in the process of peace within the region.

A Queen of a powerful region her figure dons an ermine mantle. Typically ermine fur would represent not only royalty but moral purity. On the inside of the mantle the tilework delicately illustrated points to the pedestrian pavement in Portugal where she ruled. And lastly, the roses gathered in her skirt represents the miracle that sustained Elizabeth’s life. After a hired assassin questioned the contents being carried in her skirt the queen replied “roses” knowing the consequences of death for carrying bread to feed the poor. Roses miraculously spilled out of her skirt, replacing the bread, thus saving her life and softening her husband’s heart towards her faith.

After her husband’s death Saint Elizabeth entered into religious service fully using her wealth to enrich others.