Saint Theresa of Portugal

Also known as
Tarasia of Portugal
Teresa of Portugal
Memorial
17 June
Profile
Oldest daughter of King Sancho I. Married King Alfonso IX of Leon, Spain, and they had children; northern Portugal formed part of her dowry. However, several years into the marriage it was dissolved by the Vatican upon the revelation that Theresa and Alfonso were cousins. Single again, Theresa returned to Portugal. Converted the Benedictine monastery at Lorvao into a convent for 300 Cistercian nuns. Theresa then moved into the convent, though she did not take vows. In 1231 she left to settle a bitter succession dispute between her children over the throne of Leon. With peace between them, she returned to the convent, took vows, and remained there as a nun for the rest of her life.
Born
12th century Portugal
Died
1250 of natural causes
Canonized
20 May 1705 by Pope Clement XI (cultus confirmed)
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