This observance appears in the catholic calendar with liturgical color green .
Saint Elizabeth of Portugal is renowned for her profound piety, extensive charity towards the poor and sick, and tireless efforts as a peacemaker, both within her family and among warring nations.
Born a princess of Aragon, Saint Elizabeth of Portugal became Queen consort of Portugal and is celebrated for her exemplary life of devotion and service. Throughout her reign, she was deeply committed to acts of charity, personally caring for the sick, establishing hospitals, and founding orphanages, earning her the title "Mother of the Poor." She is particularly known for her persistent efforts to mediate conflicts, successfully bringing peace between her husband and son, and later between various European rulers, embodying the virtues of reconciliation and Christian love. After her husband's death, she joined the Third Order of Saint Francis, dedicating her remaining years to prayer and charitable works.
Born in 1271 in the royal city of Zaragoza, Aragon, Saint Elizabeth of Portugal, known affectionately as Isabel, entered the world as a princess. She was the daughter of King Peter III of Aragon and Constance of Sicily, and a great-niece of the revered Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, whose devout life undoubtedly served as an early inspiration. From her earliest years, Elizabeth displayed a remarkable piety, a deep love for prayer, and a profound compassion for the less fortunate. Despite her privileged upbringing within the royal court, she cultivated a spiritual life marked by humility and an earnest desire to serve God, often engaging in quiet acts of charity even as a child. This early formation laid the groundwork for a life that would eventually earn her the veneration of the Church and the enduring title of "Peacemaker."
At the tender age of eleven, in 1282, Elizabeth was married to King Denis of Portugal, a monarch known for his administrative acumen, his love for poetry, and his significant contributions to agriculture and forestry. However, King Denis was also a man of complex character, prone to infidelity and involved in various political and familial disputes. Elizabeth's queenship was far from easy; she navigated a court rife with intrigue and faced the personal sorrow of her husband's unfaithfulness. Yet, instead of succumbing to bitterness or despair, she responded with unwavering patience, prayer, and an intensified dedication to acts of penance and charity. Her quiet example of virtue and her persistent prayers for her husbandâs conversion became a powerful, albeit subtle, influence on the Portuguese court.
Elizabeth's reign was largely defined by her extraordinary commitment to Christian charity, earning her the popular title "Mother of the Poor." She consistently used her royal income not for personal extravagance, but to alleviate the suffering of the poor, the sick, and the marginalized. She founded numerous hospitals, orphanages, and convents throughout Portugal, including the significant Hospital of the Holy Spirit in Coimbra. Her charity was not merely financial; she personally visited the sick, tended to lepers, distributed alms, and offered comfort to those in distress, often performing these acts of mercy in secret. One of the most beloved stories illustrating her hidden acts of kindness is the "Miracle of the Roses," where, according to tradition, bread she was carrying in her apron to distribute to the poor miraculously transformed into roses when confronted by her suspicious husband, King Denis.
Beyond her extensive charitable works, Saint Elizabeth is most profoundly remembered as a tireless peacemaker. Her life was characterized by a constant effort to reconcile enemies and heal divisions. Within her own family, she faced the daunting task of mediating the bitter and often violent conflicts between her husband, King Denis, and their son, Afonso, who repeatedly rebelled against his father. On one notable occasion, she rode alone between the warring armies of father and son, successfully averting a bloody confrontation. Her influence extended beyond her immediate family, as she frequently intervened in disputes between other European rulers, notably between her son, now King Afonso IV, and King Alfonso XI of Castile. Her presence and persuasive appeals were often instrumental in preventing wars and fostering reconciliation, demonstrating a profound embodiment of the Gospel call to be a "child of God" through peacemaking.
Upon the death of King Denis in 1325, Elizabethâs life took on an even deeper spiritual dimension. Despite her profound grief, she embraced widowhood as an opportunity for greater dedication to God. She renounced her royal attire, donned the simple habit of the Third Order of Saint Francis, and dedicated her remaining years to prayer, penance, and continued charitable works. She made a pilgrimage on foot to Santiago de Compostela, a testament to her humility and fervent devotion. Her remaining wealth was entirely devoted to the poor and to the establishment of religious foundations, further solidifying her reputation as a true servant of Christ.
Saint Elizabeth of Portugal died in 1336, while on another mission of peace, traveling to Estremoz to reconcile her son, King Afonso IV, with King Alfonso XI of Castile. Her death on such a mission underscored her lifelong commitment to peace. Her body was later found to be incorrupt, further enhancing her veneration. She was canonized by Pope Urban VIII in 1625, and her feast day is celebrated on July 4th (or July 5th in some calendars). Saint Elizabeth remains a powerful model for all Christians, demonstrating that sanctity is attainable amidst the challenges of worldly power, family strife, and political turmoil. Her life stands as a testament to the transformative power of charity, humility, and unwavering commitment to peace, making her an enduring inspiration for Christian living.
One crisp winter morning, Queen Elizabeth, ever mindful of the suffering poor in her kingdom, prepared to embark on one of her secret missions of mercy. It was her custom to rise early, before the court stirred, and carry fresh bread and other provisions hidden beneath her royal cloak or in her apron, to distribute among the hungry and the sick. Her husband, King Denis, though often admiring of her piety, was at times suspicious of her clandestine movements, fearing she was too generous with the royal treasury. On this particular morning, as she slipped out of the palace gates, her apron bulging with loaves of bread, she unexpectedly encountered the King.
"Where are you going, my Queen, and what is it you hide so carefully in your apron?" King Denis inquired, his voice laced with suspicion. He had heard whispers of her secret almsgiving and, perhaps, resented her quiet acts of humility and charity that contrasted sharply with his own worldly pursuits.
Elizabeth, startled but composed, looked up at her husband. Her heart, though momentarily anxious, was filled with trust in Divine Providence. "I go to tend to my roses, my Lord," she replied with serene simplicity, gesturing vaguely towards the palace gardens, which, in the depths of winter, were devoid of blooms.
"Roses? In this biting cold?" the King scoffed, his skepticism evident. "Let me see these roses, then!" He reached out, pulling at her apron to reveal its contents. At that very instant, as her apron was opened, the heavy loaves of bread miraculously transformed. Instead of the humble sustenance she had been carrying, a cascade of the most exquisite, fragrant red and white roses tumbled forth, glistening with morning dew, as if plucked directly from the height of summer. The air around them filled with a sweet, heavenly perfume.
King Denis, stunned and speechless, gazed upon the impossible sight. The vibrant blossoms lay at his feet, undeniable proof of a divine intervention. Overcome with awe and remorse, he could only kneel before his wife, recognizing the sanctity that radiated from her and the favor of God upon her charitable heart. From that day forward, his suspicions were replaced with a deeper respect for his Queenâs profound faith and boundless compassion, a testament to God's blessing upon her selfless acts of love.
1909
ST. ELIZABETH, QUEEN OF PORTUGAL, born in 1271, was the daughter of Peter III, King of Aragon, and Constantia, daughter of Manfred, King of Sicily. She was grand-niece of St. Elizabeth of Hungary, and from early childhood gave indications of sanctity. She was educated with great care, and was remarkable for her beauty, modesty, and piety. Her hand was sought by many princes, and when only eleven years of age she was married to Denis, King of Portugal. Her life at court was not easy. Her husband, though a man of many good qualities, was a worldly and pleasure-loving prince, and gave her much to suffer through his infidelities. She bore her trials with heroic patience, and sought to win him to a better life by her prayers, penances, and charity. She was a mother to her people, and devoted herself to the relief of the poor and distressed. She founded hospitals, orphanages, and convents, and personally ministered to the sick and needy, often performing the most repulsive services. One of the most famous legends connected with her life is that of the roses. She was accustomed to carry in her apron bread and other provisions for the poor, and on one occasion, when questioned by her husband, the bread was miraculously changed into roses.
Her great mission in life was that of peacemaker. She made peace between her husband and her rebellious son, Afonso, who repeatedly took up arms against his father. On one occasion, when their armies were drawn up for battle, she rode between them, and by her prayers and entreaties, succeeded in averting bloodshed. After the death of her husband in 1325, she renounced the world, became a tertiary of St. Francis, and dedicated her remaining years to prayer and charitable works. She made a pilgrimage on foot to Santiago de Compostela, and died at Estremoz on 4 July, 1336, while on another mission of peace, seeking to reconcile her son with the King of Castile. Her body was found incorrupt, and she was canonized by Urban VIII in 1625. Her feast is celebrated on 4 July.
The long and patient suffering of St. Elizabeth at the hands of her husband, King Denis, is a striking feature of her sanctity. Though a good ruler in many respects, King Denis was notoriously unfaithful to his marriage vows. Elizabeth endured his infidelities with remarkable fortitude, never complaining, but rather redoubling her prayers and acts of penance for his conversion. Her silent endurance and constant charity eventually had an effect on the king, who, towards the end of his life, is said to have repented and sought reconciliation with her and with God. This aspect of her life highlights her profound faith and commitment to the Sacrament of Matrimony, even in the face of immense personal pain.
Her charity was not merely an occasional act, but a consistent and profound dedication to the poor. She used her royal income to establish numerous charitable institutions, including a hospital in Coimbra, where she herself nursed the sick. She also founded a convent of Poor Clares at Coimbra, where she wished to retire after the death of her husband, but was prevented by her son. Her compassion extended to all forms of suffering, and she became a true mother to her subjects, embodying the Gospel command to love one's neighbor as oneself.
The political landscape of her time was often turbulent, marked by constant conflicts between kingdoms and within royal families. It was in this environment that St. Elizabeth shone as an 'angel of peace.' Her most famous intervention was when she rode on horseback between the armies of her husband and rebellious son, who were prepared for a decisive battle. Her courageous act and fervent prayers averted a civil war, saving countless lives. Later, as a widow, she again intervened to prevent war between her son, King Afonso IV, and King Alfonso XI of Castile, traveling to the very site where the two armies were gathered. Her death occurred during this final mission of peace, underscoring her lifelong commitment to reconciliation.
Her veneration began immediately after her death, with many miracles attributed to her intercession. The incorruption of her body, discovered many years after her burial, further affirmed her sanctity in the eyes of the faithful. Her canonization by Pope Urban VIII was a formal recognition of a holiness that had long been acknowledged by the people of Portugal and beyond. Saint Elizabeth stands as a powerful example of how Christian virtues can transform even the most challenging circumstances of life, offering a beacon of hope and reconciliation in a world often torn by discord.
The celebration of the Festa do Divino EspĂrito Santo (Feast of the Holy Spirit), which involves parades, the crowning of an 'empress' or 'king' to symbolize charity, and the charitable distribution of food, especially traditional 'sopa do EspĂrito Santo' (Holy Spirit soup) and bread.
This tradition is widely believed to have originated from a vow made by Queen Elizabeth during a severe famine. She promised to build a church to the Holy Spirit if the famine ended, and upon its cessation, she initiated the charitable distribution of food to the poor, a practice continued in these festivals.
Simple loaves of bread, often blessed, which are distributed to the community as an act of charity, particularly during the Feast of the Holy Spirit.
This tradition is directly linked to Saint Elizabeth's profound charity and her practice of secretly distributing bread to the poor, famously highlighted in the 'Miracle of the Roses' legend, where the bread she carried transformed into roses. It is also a central element of the Festa do Divino EspĂrito Santo, which she is credited with initiating through a vow to feed the hungry.
A traditional communal soup, typically a rich broth with meat and bread, prepared and shared freely among the community during the Festa do Divino EspĂrito Santo.
This soup is a staple of the charitable feasts associated with the Holy Spirit festivals, which are widely believed to have originated from Queen Elizabeth's vow and acts of charity during a famine. Her legacy of feeding the poor is commemorated through the communal distribution of this nourishing meal.
Saint Antony Mary Zaccaria was an Italian priest and founder of the Barnabites, known for his zealous promotion of frequent Holy Communion and the renovation of Christian life in the 16th century.
Saint Antony Mary Zaccaria (1502-1539) was a physician who became a priest, dedicating his life to the spiritual renewal of the Church during the Counter-Reformation. He founded the Clerics Regular of St. Paul, commonly known as the Barnabites, a religious order focused on preaching, teaching, and pastoral care, as well as the Angelic Sisters of St. Paul and the Laity of St. Paul. Zaccaria is particularly remembered for his fervent advocacy of frequent reception of Holy Communion, a practice not widely common at the time, and for introducing the Forty Hours' Devotion, aiming to rekindle devotion to the Eucharist and promote moral reform among the faithful, thus playing a significant role in revitalizing Christian piety.
Saint Antony Mary Zaccaria, born in Cremona, Italy, in 1502, emerged as a pivotal figure in the Catholic Church's efforts at internal renewal during the tumultuous 16th century, a period often referred to as the Counter-Reformation. His early life was marked by intellectual curiosity and a strong sense of responsibility. After his father's death when he was only two, Antony was raised by his devout mother, Lucia Pescaroli, who instilled in him profound Christian values. He pursued higher education, first studying philosophy at the University of Pavia and then medicine at the renowned University of Padua. He excelled in his medical studies, earning his doctorate in 1524, and for a time, practiced as a physician in his hometown of Cremona, demonstrating great compassion for the poor and sick, often treating them without charge. Yet, even amidst a promising medical career, a deeper calling began to stir within him, leading him towards a path of spiritual service.
Antony Mary Zaccaria's spiritual journey intensified through his association with the Oratory of Divine Love in Cremona, a lay confraternity dedicated to piety and charitable works. Here, under the guidance of the Dominican friar Battista Carioni, he deepened his understanding of theology and felt an undeniable pull towards the priesthood. His medical practice gradually gave way to fervent prayer, study, and catechetical instruction. In 1528, he was ordained a priest, a vocation he embraced with extraordinary zeal. His early priestly ministry in Cremona focused on teaching catechism to children and adults, and providing spiritual direction, quickly gaining a reputation for his eloquence, deep faith, and commitment to the spiritual well-being of his flock.
The year 1530 marked a significant turning point when Father Zaccaria moved to Milan, a city then suffering from widespread moral decay and religious indifference, exacerbated by political instability and war. It was in Milan that he encountered two noblemen, Giacomo Antonio Morigia and Bartolomeo Ferrari, who shared his fervent desire for spiritual renewal. Together, they laid the groundwork for a new religious congregation, envisioning a community of priests dedicated to preaching, teaching, and reforming Christian life through a return to evangelical fervor. Their shared vision was to address the spiritual lethargy of the age by re-evangelizing society from within.
This collaborative effort culminated in the formal approval of the Clerics Regular of St. Paul by Pope Clement VII on February 18, 1533. The congregation later became known as the Barnabites, owing to their principal church in Milan, St. Barnabas. The Barnabites were a groundbreaking order, distinguishable by their emphasis on active ministry in the world, distinct from the contemplative or monastic traditions. Their charism focused on the renovation of Christian life, particularly through the frequent and zealous preaching of the Word of God, catechetical instruction, and the diligent administration of the Sacraments. They took the traditional vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience, but also a distinctive fourth vow to combat heresy and promote the reform of the Church, reflecting the urgent needs of their time. Saint Antony Mary Zaccaria also founded two associated congregations: the Angelic Sisters of St. Paul for women, focused on education and spiritual formation, and the Laity of St. Paul for married couples and single laypersons, fostering a comprehensive spiritual family dedicated to Christian perfection in all walks of life.
Perhaps one of Saint Antony Mary Zaccaria's most enduring contributions was his fervent advocacy for frequent Holy Communion. At a time when reception of the Eucharist was often infrequent, even among the devout, he tirelessly promoted its regular reception as essential for spiritual growth and moral transformation, believing it to be the true source of Christian life. He also introduced the Forty Hours' Devotion, a public exposition of the Blessed Sacrament for continuous adoration, which quickly spread throughout Italy and beyond. This practice, designed to rekindle devotion to the Eucharist and inspire moral reform, became a powerful and enduring spiritual exercise in the Catholic Church, playing a crucial role in the Eucharistic revival of the Counter-Reformation. His methods, though sometimes seen as radical, were always aimed at revitalizing true Christian piety and devotion.
Despite his profound holiness and tireless efforts, Zaccaria and his nascent orders faced significant challenges, including suspicion and opposition from various quarters. His passionate preaching and the Barnabites' innovative public demonstrations of faith, such as carrying crucifixes through the streets and organizing public penitential processions, were sometimes misinterpreted and led to accusations of heresy and moral misconduct. However, these charges were investigated and subsequently disproven, affirming the orthodoxy of his teachings and the integrity of his community. Worn out by his intense labors and profound commitment to spiritual reform, Saint Antony Mary Zaccaria died relatively young, at the age of 36, on July 5, 1539, in Cremona. His enduring legacy is multifaceted: the thriving Barnabite order continues his mission of renewal worldwide, and his emphasis on Eucharistic devotion and the active participation of the laity profoundly shaped Catholic spirituality for centuries. He was canonized by Pope Leo XIII on May 27, 1897, a testament to his lasting impact and the recognition of his sanctity.
In the bustling, yet spiritually languishing city of Milan in the early 16th century, a profound coldness had settled over the hearts of many. The echoes of the Reformation had reached Italy, coupled with internal strife and a general laxity in religious practice. Churches were often sparsely attended, and the once vibrant faith of the populace seemed to flicker dimly, threatened by indifference and worldly pursuits. It was into this spiritual landscape that Saint Antony Mary Zaccaria, a physician turned zealous priest, arrived with a burning desire to rekindle the flame of Christ's love.
Father Zaccaria, along with his companions, the newly formed Clerics Regular of St. Paul â soon to be known as the Barnabites â understood that the heart of Christian life lay in the Eucharist. He observed with sorrow the infrequent reception of Holy Communion and the general lack of reverence for the Blessed Sacrament. He yearned for a way to draw souls back to the very source of grace, to awaken within them a profound awe for Christ truly present among them. It was from this deep longing that a revolutionary idea began to take shape: the Forty Hours' Devotion.
This devotion, though having ancient roots in the practice of keeping vigil with Christ in the tomb for forty hours, was innovatively revitalized by Zaccaria for public adoration. Imagine the scene: the solemn procession, the sacred Host elevated for all to behold, and then, for forty continuous hours, the silent, prayerful presence of the faithful before the exposed Blessed Sacrament. It was a bold and unprecedented public display of faith, a stark contrast to the prevailing spiritual apathy. Zaccaria believed that such an intense period of prayer and adoration would not only honour Christ but also serve as a powerful catalyst for personal conversion and communal renewal.
The first public celebration of the Forty Hours' Devotion, initiated by Saint Antony Mary Zaccaria and his Barnabites in Milan around 1534, was not merely a liturgical event; it was a spiritual earthquake. People, initially curious, were soon captivated by the profound reverence and spiritual intensity. The continuous prayer, the silent adoration, the opportunity for confession, and the encouragement for frequent Communion began to thaw the icy grip of indifference. Souls long absent from the sacraments returned, hardened hearts softened, and a palpable sense of renewed faith began to spread through the city.
His contemporaries, and even some within the Church, initially viewed Zaccaria's methods with suspicion. His zealous public displays, his fervent preaching, and the very novelty of the Forty Hours' Devotion were seen by some as excessive or even unorthodox. Yet, Zaccaria remained undeterred, his faith in the power of the Eucharist unwavering. He knew that radical times called for radical remedies, and he trusted in divine providence to validate his efforts.
Indeed, the fruits of his labor were undeniable. The Forty Hours' Devotion, sparked by the vision and courage of Saint Antony Mary Zaccaria, rapidly spread throughout Milan, then across Italy, and eventually throughout the Catholic world. It became a cornerstone of Counter-Reformation spirituality, a powerful means of restoring Eucharistic devotion and inspiring personal holiness. Through this act of profound faith and pastoral ingenuity, Saint Antony Mary Zaccaria left an indelible mark on the Church, proving that true reform begins with a return to the heart of Christ, ever-present in the Blessed Sacrament. His life was a testament to the transformative power of zeal for God's glory and love for souls.
1907
Born at Cremona, 1502; died there, 5 July, 1539. He was the son of Lazzaro and Antonia Pescaroli Zaccaria. His father died when Antony was only two years old, and the boy's education was carefully supervised by his mother. He studied philosophy at Pavia and medicine at Padua, and for some time practised as a physician in Cremona. He attended the spiritual exercises of the Oratory of Divine Love, and under the direction of a Dominican, Father Battista Carioni, began to study for the priesthood. He was ordained in 1528, and for two years laboured in Cremona, preaching and teaching catechism. In 1530 he went to Milan, where he became chaplain to the Countess of Guastalla, who placed him in charge of the spiritual education of her two sons. Here he was joined by two noblemen, Bartholomew Ferrari and James Antony Morigia, both of whom he guided to a high degree of spirituality. Together they began to lay the foundations of a new religious institute, which was to become the Clerics Regular of St. Paul, more commonly known as the Barnabites. The object of this new congregation was the spiritual revival of the clergy and laity. On 18 February, 1533, the order was formally approved by Clement VII. Zaccaria refused the generalship, and Bartholomew Ferrari was elected the first general. Zaccaria did not confine his work to the establishment of this one congregation. He also founded a women's order, the Angelic Sisters of St. Paul, and a lay order, the Laity of St. Paul, for married couples and single laymen. He preached with such zeal and energy that the people of Milan, amazed at his earnestness, flocked to hear him. He endeavoured to bring about a general reform of morals, and to this end inaugurated a series of public devotions in the churches, such as the Forty Hours' Devotion, and the tolling of church bells on Friday afternoons at 3 o'clock, in memory of the Passion of Christ. These innovations, though ultimately successful, aroused a storm of opposition and calumny. Twice Zaccaria was accused of heresy and sedition, and twice he was acquitted. Worn out by his labours, he died at the age of thirty-six, and was buried in the church of St. Paul, Milan. He was beatified in 1634 by Urban VIII, and canonized by Leo XIII, 27 May, 1897.
Members of the Clerics Regular of St. Paul (Barnabites), the religious order founded by Saint Antony Mary Zaccaria, along with the Angelic Sisters of St. Paul and the Laity of St. Paul, celebrate their founder's feast day with particular solemnity. This often includes special Masses, prayer services, and communal reflections on his charism of spiritual renewal and zeal for the Eucharist.
Saint Antony Mary Zaccaria is the founder of the Barnabite Fathers, the Angelic Sisters of St. Paul, and the Laity of St. Paul, making his feast day a significant occasion for these religious families worldwide.
His feast day is observed on July 5th within the universal Roman Liturgical Calendar, with specific prayers and readings designated in the Roman Missal and Liturgy of the Hours, honoring his life, holiness, and contributions to the Church.
This is the official commemoration of Saint Antony Mary Zaccaria as a canonized saint in the Catholic Church.
This observance appears in the catholic calendar with liturgical color white .