On October 20 , the Church remembers St. Irene, a Portuguese nun who was martyred in 653 for defending her chastity. After her death, her body was miraculously recovered from the river where it had been thrown.

She was later canonized as a Catholic saint due to the many miracles reported at her tomb.

Her shrine in Santarém has become a cherished place of devotion, playing an important role in nurturing the deep faith and spiritual beauty that continue to characterize the Portuguese people today.