Santa Iria - The Legend of Tomar
Saint Irene of Tomar (Portuguese: Santa Iria)
Santa Iria is a figure from Christian tradition believed to have lived during the 7th century (c. 635 – c. 653) in the region now known as Tomar, Portugal. She is venerated as a virgin martyr, though there is no contemporary historical record of her life, and most of the details about her are based on legend.
Legendary Account
According to traditional narratives, Irene was born in Nabância (modern-day Tomar) into a noble family. Her parents, seeking to protect her, arranged for her to receive a religious education at a convent school and through a private tutor. She reportedly left home only to attend Mass or pray at a local sanctuary.
A young nobleman named Britald is said to have fallen in love with her after seeing her during one of her outings. When he declared his intentions, Irene rejected him, stating she had dedicated her life to God.
Her tutor, a monk named Remigius (or Remígio), allegedly made inappropriate advances. After being rejected, he spread a false rumour that she was pregnant. Some versions of the legend claim he used a substance to make her appear so, though this detail is not universal.
Britald, believing the accusation, arranged for her to be killed. Irene was murdered—reportedly stabbed or struck down while alone. Her body was then reportedly thrown into the Nabão River.
Veneration
Legend holds that Benedictine monks near Scalabis (now Santarém) discovered her body intact. An abbot, said to be her uncle Celius, was reportedly guided by divine revelation to locate her remains and learn the truth of her death. The monks buried her, and veneration of Irene began to spread.
Over time, devotion to Saint Irene became strong enough that the town of Scalabis was renamed Santarém, meaning "Saint Irene." She is considered the patron saint of Tomar, and her feast day is celebrated on October 20th.
Based on information from the sources
Oliveira, Miguel de, Santa Iria e Santarém. Lenda e História. Estudos hagiográficos, Lisboa, União Gráfica, 1964
Costa, Avelino de Jesus, Santa Iria e Santarém, revisão de um problema hagiográfico e toponímico, Coimbra, FLUC, 1972