Saint of the Day: Bl. Elizabeth of Mantua

Servite Tertiary (1428-1468)

Her life

+ Elizabeth (Elisabetta) Picenardi was born in Mantua, Italy. Her father served as a steward for Marquis of Mantua.

+ Elizabeth received some formal education and would often pray the Little Office of the Blessed Virgin in her local parish church, which was under the pastoral care of the Servite friars.

+ Following her mother’s death, Elizabeth’s father pressured her to marry. Despite his insistence, she chose to become a professed member of the Servite Third Order in 1448. She was known for her personal holiness and spirit of penance.

+ Elizabeth was known and loved by many and inspired other women to become Servites.

+ Blessed Elizabeth of Mantua died on February 19, 1468, and devotion to her was approved in 1804. She is honored as the patron saint of Servite tertiaries.

For prayer and reflection

“An unmarried woman or a virgin is anxious about the things of the lord, so that she may be holy in both body and spirit.”—1 Corinthians 7:34

Prayer

Hear us, God our Savior, that, as we rejoice in commemorating the Virgin blessed Elizabeth, we may be instructed by her loving devotion. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

(from The Roman Missal—Common of Virgins)

Saint profiles prepared by Brother Silas Henderson, S.D.S.