On November 17, the Catholic Church honors Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, a young medieval princess who chose a life of service and simplicity after facing deep personal sorrow. She is especially cherished by Secular Franciscans, as well as by Catholics in Germany and her homeland of Hungary.
Elizabeth was born in 1207 as the daughter of King Andrew II of Hungary. From her early years, she carried the duties of royalty. While still a child, she was promised in marriage to Ludwig of Thuringia, a German nobleman, and had to leave her family to live in a foreign court. Her early life was marked by tragedy, especially the murder of her mother Gertrude in 1213 during conflicts between German settlers and Hungarian nobles. These events made Elizabeth serious-minded from a young age, and she found comfort through prayer, although this often puzzled or annoyed those around her.
Her life took a joyful turn in 1221 when she married Ludwig, who later became one of the rulers of Thuringia. Ludwig admired Elizabeth’s deep faith and supported her desire to care for the poor. She was inspired by the new Franciscan movement, meeting friars during the lifetime of St. Francis himself. Together, the royal couple became known for their extraordinary generosity. They had three children: two later lived as nobles, while their only son died young; their daughter grew up to become an abbess in a German convent.
In 1226, when Ludwig was away in Italy on political matters, Elizabeth personally led relief efforts during floods and outbreaks of disease in Thuringia. She gave away royal clothing and possessions, organized aid, and even founded a hospital where she provided daily support for hundreds of needy people.
Tragedy struck again in 1227 when Ludwig, on his way to join Emperor Frederick II in the Sixth Crusade, fell ill and died. Heartbroken, Elizabeth vowed never to marry again. Her relatives tried to force her to change her mind, and her children were taken from her, but she remained firm in her promise.
Using what remained of her wealth, Elizabeth built another hospital and devoted herself completely to caring for the sick. She dismissed her attendants, joined the Third Order of St. Francis, and embraced a simple lifestyle. Toward the end of her life, she lived in a small hut and supported herself by spinning wool.
Her constant service to the ill weakened her own health, and she died in November 1231 at the age of just 24. Soon after her death, many miraculous cures were reported at her burial place. She was declared a saint only four years later.
Pope Benedict XVI later described her as a “model for those in authority,” highlighting how she united deep personal faith with genuine compassion for the vulnerable.
Patronage: Bakers; beggars; brides; charitable workers and organizations; countesses; widows; exiles; homeless people; hospitals; nursing homes; people falsely accused; those suffering the death of children; lace workers; Sisters of Mercy; and many others.
Representation: A crowned woman giving alms; a queen caring for beggars; or a woman with a crown holding roses in her apron or cloak.