St. Nuno Álvares Pereira
Constable of Portugal and Carmelite Brother
Feast Day: November 1
Biography
St. Nuno Álvares Pereira (1360–1431) was born on June 24, 1360, the son of a Portuguese nobleman. As a young man he married Leonor de Alvim, and they had three children, of whom only their daughter Beatriz survived to adulthood. When a succession crisis threatened Portugal's independence from Castile, Nuno supported John of Aviz, the future King John I, who made him Constable, or commander of the army. On August 14, 1385, he led the outnumbered Portuguese to a decisive victory at Aljubarrota, securing the kingdom's independence. Nuno was known for his deep faith, his devotion to the Blessed Virgin, and his insistence that his soldiers respect the poor and attend Mass. After his wife's death he founded the Carmelite convent in Lisbon, and in 1423 he entered it himself, giving away his possessions and taking the name Brother Nuno of Saint Mary. He chose the humble status of a lay brother, begging for the poor and serving at the door. He died in 1431, most sources say on Easter Sunday, April 1, and the people immediately called him 'the Holy Constable.' He was beatified in 1918 and canonized by Pope Benedict XVI on April 26, 2009. His day falls on the Solemnity of All Saints; Carmelites celebrate him on November 6.
Patronages
Symbols
Prayer
St. Nuno, courageous soldier and humble Carmelite, you served your country with honor and then laid down every title to serve Christ and the poor. Pray for all who serve in the armed forces, that they may be just and faithful. Help me to use my gifts generously and to hold the things of this world with open hands. Amen.
Asking for Intercession
Catholics ask saints to pray with us and for us, as we ask friends on earth. St. Nuno Álvares Pereira, who lives in God's presence, intercedes before His throne. Speak from your heart: “St. Nuno Álvares Pereira, please pray for me…” You may also pray the prayer above or include this intention in your Rosary.