Ferdinand the Holy Prince

Who they were

Ferdinand was a prince of Portugal, born on 29 September 1402, a son of King John I and of Philippa, daughter of John of Gaunt. Though often ill, he was known at court for his prayer, fasting and charity, prayed the Divine Office daily from boyhood, became Grand Master of Aviz in order to help the poor, and refused a cardinal's hat offered by Pope Eugene IV.

On a failed expedition against Tangiers in 1437 the Portuguese had to promise to return Ceuta, and Ferdinand offered himself as hostage. Portugal would not give up Ceuta, and he spent the rest of his life as a captive, much of it at Fez working as a slave and finally shut alone in a dark dungeon; he refused to escape and leave his companions. He died there on 5 June 1443. Miracles were said to have been worked through his intercession, and Pope Paul II beatified him in 1470.

The miracles

The Catholic Encyclopedia does not describe the miracles approved in the cause.

Why that counted as sanctity

The 'constant prince' of Portugal, who died a captive at Fez rather than have Ceuta given up.