Glorification of Blessed Fernando in Portugal (29/09)

Blessed Fernando or the Staunch Prince (Fernando (Blessed), the Saint Prince, September 29, 1402 — June 5, 1443) has always been revered as a saint by the Portuguese. He was the youngest of five sons of John of Aviz and his consort, Philippa of Lancashire, daughter of John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster.

As a child, Fernando was weak and sickly, but smart and kind. There were legends in the royal court about his meekness, purity and generosity, as well as his unusually strong character.

Prince Fernand has always been revered as a saint by the Portuguese. Many miracles were performed through his intercession, and he was betitified by Pope Paul II in 1470. Pedro Calderon dedicated one of his best tragedies to him «Standing Prince» (translated into Russian by K. Balmont, B. Pasternak).

Brief life story of Blessed Fernando is. After the death of his father-king, Fernando received a modest inheritance, and Duarte's brother took the royal throne. In order to be able to help the poor and the unfortunate more, Fernando accepted the position of Grand Master of the Order of Avis. And then he rejected the rank of cardinal proposed by Pope Eugene IV, citing «’s reluctance to burden his conscience». Fernando led a reclusive, monastic lifestyle. Meanwhile, he was not a hermit and dreamed of heroic actions for the glory of the Fatherland.

In 1437, as part of an expedition against the Moors, he went to Africa. On the eve of his dispatch, Don Fernando fell ill, but hid it, and on the way the disease worsened, and the amendment went so slowly that it did not allow him to participate in the first battle. Events developed difficult, Portuguese soldiers were less than half of the number prescribed by royal decree, and they failed in battles with superior enemy forces.

As a result of negotiations, it was possible to achieve a decision on the return of the expedition to their ships in exchange for the return of Ceuta to the Moors, but a hostage was requested for this. Prince Fernando proposed his candidacy and remained in captivity with a small group of fellow tribesmen who followed him...

He was not destined to return to his homeland, and the high-born prisoner spent the rest of his life in hardships, suffering, humiliation and illness. When news came from Portugal of the Cortez's refusal to recognize Ceuta's return to the Moors, his situation became disastrous. Following this, unsuccessful attempts were made to save Don Fernando, as a result of which he suffered greatly: he was sent to Fesch and handed over to the hands of the cruel vizier Lazurak. He spent several months in prison with a cold stone floor and a wooden block instead of a pillow, and then was sent to slave labor in the royal gardens and stables.

To the credit of the staunch prince, he never lost his presence of mind. He rejected offers to escape in order to prevent new suffering for his comrades remaining in captivity. Treating his pursuers with dignity and respect, he never stooped to beg for relief from his fate.

Don Fernando died in the evening, after confession. Of the soldiers accompanying him, four followed him to the grave, one joined the ranks of the Moors, and the others were released after the death of Lazurac, including the staunch Prince's loyal secretary, Joao Alvares, who brought his heart to Portugal in 1451. Fernando's later acquired relics were transferred to the royal tomb in Batalla with all the honors due.

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