Saint Elizabeth of Hungary

Old Calendar: Saint Gregory the Wonderworker

Saint Elizabeth was the daughter of the King of Hungary. She was born in 1207 and in 1221 married Ludwig VI (Louis VI) of Thuringia, which is located in central Germany. Together they had four children. In 1226 Ludwig died. As a widow she cared for their children, became a Third Order Franciscan, and devoted herself in a particular way to caring for the poor and the sick. She died at the age of 23, just a little before her 24th birthday in the year 1231. She died in extreme poverty and was canonized only four years after her death. Her spiritual director recorded these words: “She was a lifelong friend of the poor and gave herself entirely to relieving the hungry. She ordered that one of her castles should be converted into a hospital in which she gathered many of the weak and feeble. She generously gave alms to all who were in need. She sold her luxurious possessions and rich clothes for the sake of the poor. Twice a day she went to visit the sick. She personally cared for those who were particularly repulsive; to some she gave food, to others clothing; some she carried on her own shoulders, and performed many other kindly services.” He notes how she opened renounced all riches and worldly glories. He noted how active she was, but that she was also a woman of deep prayer. He says, “When she was coming from private prayer, some…saw her face shining marvelously and light coming from her eyes like the rays of the sun.” At the time of her death he said this, “Before her death I heard her confession. When I asked what should be done about her goods and possessions, she replied that anything which seemed to be hers belonged to the poor. She asked be to distribute everything except one worn out dress in which she wished to be buried. When all this has been decided, she received the body of our Lord. Afterward, until vespers, she spoke often of the holiest things she had heard in sermons. Then, she devoutly commended to God all who were sitting near her, and as if falling into a gentle sleep, she died.” Dear friends, the life of this holy woman speaks volumes! Her life was a living out of everything that Christ preached. “Amen, I say to you, whatever you did for one of these least brothers of mine, you did for me.” (Matthew 24:40) May everything we do be a living out of the message of Christ and may our lives truly reflect the goodness of God in the particular way that He desires. Saint Elizabeth, pray for us, that we, like you, might be poor in the eyes of the world, but rich in the eyes of God. Amen.

For some further reflection, take a look at this wonderful reflection by Blessed Teresa of Calcutta: http://www.ewtn.com/New_library/breakfast.htm