St. Isabel of France Essay

After devoting her life to helping the poor, St. Isabel of France is remembered as the patron saint of sick people. She was a humble princess who was strong-willed and faithful and did not give in to what others wanted her to be. St. Isabel is an inspiration to many people because she always put others first and devoted her life to God.
Although Saint Isabel seemed to have a desirable childhood being a princess, not everything about her early life was perfect. Young Isabelle was born in March 1225 in Paris, France and lived in a castle all her childhood. She was the daughter of King Louis VIII of France and Blanche of Castile and the sister of King Louis IX, Alfonso (Count of Poitiers), and King Charles of Sicily. Her cousin Fernando was also named a saint who was canonized on February 4, 1671. Isabel decided to dedicate her life to religion at a very young age. She knew that God was most important, and she always turned to him in times of trouble. When the saint of sick people was only two years old, her father died of a severe illness. After this tragedy, the princess devoted her life to helping the sick and put others' needs before her own. When misfortune hit Isabel's family, her faith became stronger.
St. Isabel's holy life has enabled her to be one of the most memorable saints in Europe's religious history. One of the events that she is known for is disobeying her parents requests and refusing to get married. She was so devoted to God that she did not want another man to be of more priority than him. She received a letter from the pope agreeing with her decision to stay pure and not marry. Saint Isabella was also tested by God many times, but she remained faithful. She suffered through the death of her mother and the failure to rule of her brother. She was also imprisoned by Arabs. Isabelle is also known for inviting the poor into the castle every night for dinner. She had great discipline which kept her silent and fasted for most of her life. Another example of how she helped people, Isabel built a monastery for nuns called the Humility of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Isabel is a righteous woman who lived a holy life helping others.
Helping the poor was one of St. Isabelle's priorities throughout her life. She died of natural causes on February 23, 1270 in Longchamp, France. She was dug up two weeks after her burial and was found incorruptible. Her feast day is still celebrated by many Franciscans. She was the patron saint of sick people because she fed the poor while living in a convent as a nun. Her symbol is a portrait of her with a crown at her feet because she was a princess who helped and fed the poor. St. Isabel is a perfect role model and great person to look up to.