Santa Isabel: born in 1271, she was named after her great-aunt Elizabeth of Hungary. Canonized in 1625. Santa Isabel was a Poor Clares nun and a peacemaker.
A Story of Faith and Thanksgiving:
After a series of violent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions, the Portuguese people of the Azores Islands were struck with drought and famine. With little left, they gathered together to pray for help from the Holy Spirit. On Pentecost Sunday, there was a great rising sun — in the distance, they saw a ship coming into port. It carried the necessities of life they needed.
When Queen Isabel heard of God’s blessings on her people, she organized a solemn procession in honor of the Holy Spirit. She carried her Crown through the streets of Lisbon to the cathedral, where she left it on the altar as an offering of thanksgiving. Since then, many Portuguese churches display replicas of her crown in remembrance of her goodness and God’s Grace. Queen Isabel said it best herself, "God made me queen so that I may serve others."
Inspiration: A statue in the church in Half Moon Bay, CA where dear Saint Isabel is dearly loved.
Feast Day: July 4th
Santa Isabel de Portugal
20 X 24 - acrylic on canvas
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