Saint Elizabeth of Hungary: A Royal who Dedicated her Life to Charity

Saint Elizabeth of Hungary (also known as Saint Elizabeth of Thuringia) was born on July 7th, 1207 and died on November 17th, 1231. She was canonized as a saint on May 27th, 1235 by Pope Gregory IX.

Elizabeth was the daughter of King Andrew II of Hungary and Gertrude of Merania. She was married to Louis IV, Landgrave of Thuringia at the age of 14. Despite her royal status, Elizabeth lived a simple and devout life, dedicating herself to charity and helping the poor. She founded a hospital in honor of her late husband, and would often personally nurse the sick.

Elizabeth is known for her acts of charity and her devotion to the poor. She is the patron saint of bakers, beggars, brides, dying children, exiles, homeless people, hospitals, nurses, widows, and the Third Order of St. Francis.

One of the most famous stories about Elizabeth is the "Miracle of the Roses." According to legend, Elizabeth was bringing bread to the poor when she was confronted by her husband's angry courtiers. To hide the bread, she covered it with her cloak, and when she opened it again, the bread had been transformed into roses.

Elizabeth died at the young age of 24, after giving birth to her third child. Her husband remarried soon after her death. She was buried at the Dominican church in Marburg, Germany.

Her feast day is celebrated on November 17th and she is honored as a saint in the Roman Catholic, Anglican and Lutheran church.

Saint Elizabeth's life and legacy continue to inspire people to this day, with her devotion to the poor and her charitable works serving as a reminder of the power of compassion and selflessness.