Marriage entails the intricate task of merging two families, each with its unique backgrounds, experiences, and histories, into a harmonious connection. Managing these relationships with your in-laws can demand significant time and energy. In times of need, we can seek inspiration from Saint Elizabeth of Portugal, a patron saint renowned for her ability to mend family relationships and promote peace within her own family. Even when faced with the challenges posed by her husband, King Dinis, and his numerous illegitimate children from various mistresses, Elizabeth’s unwavering devotion and love shone through as she compassionately assumed the role of a caring foster mother.
Because of her dedication to fostering unity within her own family, Saint Elizabeth of Portugal has become a patron saint for those seeking intercession and guidance in maintaining joyful and harmonious family relationships. Many people turn to her as an example of how faith, love, and peacemaking can contribute to a happy family life.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Dear Saint Elizabeth,
whom I have chosen as my special patron,
pray for me that I, too, may one day
glorify the Blessed Trinity in Heaven.
Obtain for me your lively faith,
that I may consider all persons, things, and events
in the light of Almighty God.
Pray, that I may be generous in making sacrifices
of temporal things to promote my eternal interests,
as you so wisely did.
Set me on fire with a love for Jesus,
that I may thirst for His Sacraments and
burn with zeal for the spread of His Kingdom.
By your powerful intercession,
help me in the performance of my duties to God,
myself and all the world.
Win for me the virtue of purity and a
great confidence in the Holy Virgin Mary.
Protect me this day, and every day of my life.
Keep me from mortal sin. Obtain for me
the grace of a happy death.
Amen.
O God, author of peace and lover of charity,
who adorned Saint Elizabeth of Portugal
with a marvelous grace for reconciling those in conflict,
grant, through her intercession,
that we may become peacemakers,
and so be called children of God.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son,
who lives and reigns with you
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, forever and ever.
Amen.
[Mention your intention(s)/need(s) here…]
Heavenly Father, giver of every good gift,
we thank You for the example of St. Elizabeth of Portugal.
Despite many hardships and sufferings,
she remained faithful to You in all things.
Surrounded by the conflict and strife caused by others,
she always sought to be a channel of Your peace.
By the integrity of her life,
her ceaseless charity and her holy example,
she became an instrument of reconciliation and forgiveness.
Through her powerful intercession, we ask a share
in the ministry of healing broken relationships,
for “blessed are the peacemakers for they will
be called the children of God.” [Mt. 5:9]
We ask this and all things through Jesus Christ,
the Prince of Peace.
Amen.
Pray for us, blessed Elizabeth.
That we may be made worthy of the promises of Christ.
Saint Elizabeth of Portugal,
pray for peace in our countries.
Saint Elizabeth,
Pray for us!
Saint Elizabeth,
Pray for us!
Saint Elizabeth,
Pray for us!
Feast day of St. Elizabeth of Portugal: July 4
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