Saint Irene (653)

She was a Portuguese nun who was martyred in defense of her chastity. Her body was thrown into the river and then miraculously recovered. So many miracles were worked at her tomb that she was canonized as a Catholic saint. Her shrine, which is at “Santarem” (Saint Irene), has been in no small part responsible for the beautiful quality of the Catholic Faith which the Portuguese people have kept even to this day.

Statue of Saint Irene at a Portuguese festival procession (source)

Statue of Saint Irene at a Portuguese festival procession (source)