The Basics: Born October 4, 1178, in Portugal; died June 18, 1260, in Portugal; beatified December 12, 1705, by Clement XI; feast day, June 17. Mother, wife, queen, woman religious.
The Story: It’s a story of regal and papal intrigue… and, ultimately, of peace. Teresa had what appears to have been a happy marriage to King Alfonso IX of Leon, with three children born in three years. However, shortly after the marriage, the pope became concerned that no special dispensation had been requested, since the pair were first cousins. A new pope 
ordered the two to separate and they were excommunicated when they refused to do so, as were the bishops who supported Alfonso and Teresa. After about five years, during which time the area was beset by disasters, a political wrinkle resulted in Teresa’s return to Portugal–and Alfonso’s marriage to another relative, Berenguela. That marriage also eventually was declared invalid.
Teresa bought Lorvão, a Benedctine monastery near Coimbra that was falling apart, and converted it to a Cistercian monastery that ultimately housed around 300 women. After she eventually took vows, she asked to be treated just as any other nun in the monastery despite her financial contribution.
In 1230, Alfonso died, resulting in questions about who his successor would be: one of Teresa’s daughters or Ferdinand, one of Berenguela and Alfonso’s children. The two women came together, Teresa in her habit, and in a matter of just two days, came up with a solution under which the daughters received a financial settlement and the son ascended to the throne, averting a possible civil war.
Teresa’s sisters Malfada and Sancha also lived monastic lives and have been beatified.
What We Can Learn from Teresa: Compromise isn’t a dirty word. Teresa could have refused to meet with Berenguela, since Alfonso on his deathbed had named her daughters co-heirs. But instead she and Berenguela worked out a compromise that was best for the country and all involved. Is there a dispute in your life that might be resolved if you took the first step toward peace?
To Learn More About Teresa: Visit the site for the Lorvão Abbey, where Teresa is entombed.
To Learn More About Other Women Saints and Blesseds: Come back next week, or consider buying my book, Sisterhood of Saints: Daily Guidance and Inspiration.
