AVIZ, Fernando (Blessed) [1402-1443] -- Portuguese soldier and divine, Grand Master of Aviz

He led a life of extraordinary piety and goodness.

Following an unsuccessful seige on Tangiers, the Moors demanded restoration of the city of Ceuta in return for safe passage of the Portuguese to their vessels. They also demanded that one of the princes (Ferdinand or his brother Edward) be delivered to them as hostage for the delivery of the city.

Although unwell, Ferdinand volunteered himself for that dangerous post. Dangerous it proved to be, too, for Cortes refused to surrender Ceuta to the Moors and Ferdinand remained in captivity under difficult conditions until his death in 1443.

He was beatified in 1470 by Paul II.