From Pain to Gain

“What a life of bitterness I am leading,” said Saint Elizabeth of Portugal (1271-1336). “On whom but God can I depend?” Those anguished words came from a woman who, aged 12 was married to the king of Portugal, endured his philandering, watched their son lead an armed revolt against his own father, and for a time was banished by her husband. How did she deal with all those problems? By turning to prayer and works of mercy, including founding a hospital, a house for former prostitutes, an orphanage, and a pilgrim hostel. Elizabeth’s example shows and counsels us not to endure abusive situations, but to turn our pain into healing, both for others and for ourselves.