St. Elizabeth of Hungary
St. Elizabeth of Hungary is the patron saint of hospitals, nurses, and the Secular Franciscan Order
St. Elizabeth’s feast day is November 17
Born a princess in 1207, Elizabeth was a teenager when she first learned about the ideals of St. Francis of Assisi and started to live them.
The story of St. Elizabeth of Hungary
Elizabeth was the daughter of King Andrew II of Hungary, and so is known as St. Elizabeth of Hungary. Yet, she really should be associated with Thuringia in Germany, because at the age of one, her family betrothed her to the future Louis IV and she was sent to Thuringia to the same castle where Louis lived.
When Louis came of age and she was 13 or 14, the two were married. Despite it being an arranged marriage, they were reported to be very happy. Unfortunately, Elizabeth suffered a jealous mother-in-law who found Elizabeth too pious and tried to stop the wedding.
Louis and Elizabeth had three children, but Louis died of malaria as he was setting out on a crusade. Elizabeth was only 20 years old at the time, with three small children. No favorite of her in-laws, Elizabeth and her children were thrown out by her ambitious brother-in-law .
With much perseverance, Elizabeth eventually regained her dowry, freed herself from her possessions, submitted to a severe spiritual director, took the habit of a Third Order Franciscan, and gave herself to the care of the sick poor, and to prayer. She eventually established three hospitals.
St. Elizabeth’s holiness
St. Elizabeth had a reputation for holiness, charity to the sick, and for patiently bearing wrongs done to her. The most amazing thing about Elizabeth is that she accomplished so much at such a young age — she died at just 24 in 1231 and was canonized in 1235 by Pope Gregory IX. St. Elizabeth’s feast day is November 17.
How to pray to St. Elizabeth of Hungary
St. Elizabeth of Hungary,
Devoted servant of Christ, you chose a life of humility and service despite your royal birth. Through your love for the poor and sick, you showed us the true meaning of charity and faith.
Help us to follow your example, serving others with compassion and bearing life’s trials with patience.
We ask for your intercession to guide us in living lives of holiness and love. May we, like you, care for those in need and always seek a deeper relationship with Christ through our acts of mercy and kindness.
Amen.
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