She was the daughter of Rui Gomes da Silva, the first Governor of Campo Maior after its reconquest from Arab rule, and Isabel de Menezes, Countess of Portalegre. Beatrice was one of eleven children in her family. Among her siblings was the Blessed Amadeus of Portugal, a noted confessor and reformer within the Order of Friars Minor.

Beatrice grew up in a noble household and was raised in the Castle of Infante John, Lord Reguengos de Monsaraz. Her upbringing provided her with a privileged education and social standing.

Service to the Royal Family

In 1447, Beatrice became a lady-in-waiting to Princess Isabel of Portugal when Isabel married King John II of Castile and León. During this time, she developed a close friendship with Queen Isabel. However, her beauty led to jealousy from the Queen. A rejected suitor spread rumors that Beatrice was vying for the King’s affections, which resulted in her imprisonment by Isabel.

Beatrice’s imprisonment was severe; she was confined to a small cell and reportedly even locked inside a chest. After several days without food or water, a concerned relative questioned Queen Isabel about Beatrice’s well-being. The Queen revealed where she had been kept, expecting to find her dead; instead, she found Beatrice alive and unharmed.

After escaping from imprisonment, Beatrice traveled to Toledo, Spain. There she began gathering followers who shared her vision for a contemplative life dedicated to God under the patronage of the Immaculate Conception. In 1484, she founded the Order of the Immaculate Conception (the Conceptionists), which focused on prayer and contemplation.

Beatrice served as the first abbess of this new order until her death on August 17, 1492. Her leadership helped establish a community that would grow significantly over time.

Legacy and Canonization

Saint Beatrice is recognized as a patron saint for prisoners due to her own experiences with unjust imprisonment.