St. Elizabeth was born in 1207 to King Andrew II of Hungary. In her youth, she was betrothed to Ludwig of Thuringia. After the murder of her mother, Gertrude, in 1213, Elizabeth found comfort in prayer. Ludwig, who became one of Thuringia's rulers, supported Elizabeth's commitment to living out Gospel principles at court. She met with early Franciscans, resolving to use her royal status to further their mission of charity. Ludwig shared her vision, and they led a life of generosity towards the poor. They had three children; two became nobility, while their only son died young, and the third entered religious life as abbess of a German convent. In 1226, while Ludwig was in Italy, Elizabeth provided aid to victims of disease and flooding in Thuringia, helping nearly 1,000 poor individuals, arranging for a hospital, and generously giving away her belongings. Ludwig's death in 1227, while en route to the Sixth Crusade, left her devastated, and she vowed never to remarry. Despite financial struggles, Elizabeth built another hospital with her remaining funds and dedicated herself to patient care. She joined the Third Order of St. Francis, aspiring to follow its founder’s example. In her later years, she lived simply in a small hut and spun her own clothes. Elizabeth tirelessly cared for the severely ill but eventually fell ill herself and died in November 1231. After her death, miraculous healings were reported at her grave near the hospital, resulting in her canonization just four years later. Pope Benedict XVI hailed her as a model for leaders, showcasing her dedication to God and compassionate service to the poor and sick.
O God, by whose gift Saint Elizabeth of Hungary recognized and revered Christ in the poor, grant, through her intercession, that we may serve the needy and those afflicted with unfailing charity.
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