St. Isabel of Portugal (1271–1336) was a queen, renowned for her deep faith, charity, and devotion to helping the poor. She was born into the royal family of Aragon in Spain and became the Queen consort of Portugal through her marriage to King Denis of Portugal.

 

Early Life & Marriage: Elizabeth was the daughter of Peter III of Aragon and Constance of Sicily. At the age of 12, she married King Denis of Portugal, a union that, although politically advantageous, was marred by political struggles and personal challenges, as her husband was more interested in ruling his kingdom than in her, and had a number of affairs.

 

Faith and Charity: Despite the difficulties in her marriage, Isabel devoted herself to charitable works. She was known for her care for the poor and sick, and for establishing hospitals and orphanages. She also became known for promoting peace in her kingdom. After the death of her husband, she dedicated herself more fully to religious and charitable life, distributing her wealth to the poor and founding a convent.

 

Miracles & Canonization: Isabel was revered for her holiness and reputed to have performed miracles, including healing the sick and mediating peace between warring factions. She was canonized as a saint by Pope Urban VIII in 1625, and her feast day is celebrated on July 4.

 

Portugal and Holy Ghost Soup (Sopa do Espírito Santo)

Holy Ghost Soup, or Sopa do Espírito Santo, is a traditional Portuguese dish typically associated with celebrations of the Holy Spirit, especially in the Azores and mainland Portugal. The Holy Spirit (Espírito Santo) is a central figure in Catholic devotion, and the soup has ties to feasts honoring this religious event.

 

Cultural and Religious Context: The celebration of the Holy Spirit is particularly important in the Azores, where communities often gather for religious processions, feasts, and community meals. The soup is part of the religious festivities during Pentecost, when the Holy Spirit is said to have descended upon the apostles. The tradition of making and sharing Sopa do Espírito Santo goes hand-in-hand with religious acts of charity, much like the works of St. Isabel.

Ingredients and Preparation: Holy Ghost Soup is made with a variety of ingredients, which can vary by region, but it typically includes beef, and chicken, as well as vegetables like onions, garlic, carrots, and cabbage. The soup is hearty and is often served with potatoes and bread.

 

Symbolic Connection: The preparation and sharing of the soup symbolize the outpouring of the Holy Spirit and the communal aspects of the celebration. Traditionally, the soup is offered to neighbors and the poor, continuing the legacy of charity and service that St. Isabel of Portugal embodied.

 

In summary, St. Isabel of Portugal was a queen whose life was marked by charity, devotion, and peace, and the Holy Ghost Soup (Sopa do Espírito Santo) is a beloved Portuguese dish tied to religious feasts honoring the Holy Spirit. It symbolizes community, faith, and charity—values that resonate with the life of St. Isabel.