Saint Elizabeth of Portugal

Known as a charitable peacemaker, this niece to St. Elizabeth of Hungary was given in marriage to the King of Portugal at the young age of 12. The strength of her piety, virtue, and peacemaking abilities were enough to convert her adulterous husband, and to reconcile he and their rebellious son. She placed herself between armies in the name of peace and cared for others so much that she risked being subject to the anger of the King for leaving the palace to feed those in need. St. Elizabeth of Portugal died on July 4th 1336, following a successful attempt at stopping war between 2 Kings; her son, the new King of Portugal, and her grandson, the King of Spain.

Saint Elizabeth of Portugal Feast day is July 8th.

Saint Maria Goretti

Patron Saint of victims of rape, Maria Goretti (1890) was sexually attacked at the age of 11 by a young man named Alessandro, her late father’s friend’s son. In his anger at Maria’s refusal and calling it out as sin, he stabbed Maria 14 times with a dagger before fleeing the house where she lived. Surgery could not remedy the severity of Maria’s wounds and before perishing in the morning, this faith and peace filled young girl forgave her assailant and prayed for him, wishing to see him in heaven. Alessandro Serenelli did finally repent while serving a 30 year term in prison, after dreaming of Maria handing him a bouquet of lilies. Upon his release, he begged forgiveness of Maria’s mother, and lived out the rest of his life as a Capuchin lay brother, living to see St. Maria Goretti canonized.

Saint Maria Goretti Feast Day is July 9th.