When she was born and baptized in 1271, Elizabeth of Portugal was named after her great-aunt, St. Elizabeth of Hungary, and she grew up to emulate her aunt in holiness.

As a child, Elizabeth tried to imitate the virtue she saw in other people. She was known for her prayerfulness, obedience, and service to others.

As a young girl, she was married to the king of Portugal. The king did not match her piety with his own lifestyle, but allowed her whatever freedom she wanted to practice her faith. She consistently prayed at several points during her day, and attended Mass every morning. She was modest in the food she ate and the clothes she wore, and dedicated her life to serving God.

She was especially known for her service to the poor. She ordered people in her kingdom to give food and shelter to anyone they found traveling or living on the road. She, herself, would seek out people living in poverty and would help them in whatever way she could. She gave dowries to poor girls and established a hospital and orphanage. She also founded a home where women could escape exploitation and begin a new life.

Her husband was a considerate and generous ruler, but his personal life was a mess—he was selfish and unfaithful, which caused great scandal. Elizabeth devoted her energy to their two children.

Elizabeth was known as the “peacemaker” because at several points in her life, she brought about reconciliation between men who were competing for power, even between her husband and her son when he had grown. She is known to have averted several wars.