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St. Elizabeth of Hungary was born in 1207 to a noble family.
In 1213, her mother was murdered due to conflicts between German and Hungarian nobles. In her grief, Elizabeth was drawn even deeper into prayer and came to understand the importance of staying focused on eternal life.
From a young age, Elizabeth was uncomfortable with the contrast between the luxury she and her family enjoyed and the lives of the poor outside her castle walls.
One day, as she was praying, she removed her crown, placed it in front of the crucifix, and said, “How can I, a wretched creature, continue to wear a crown of earthly dignity, when I see my King Jesus Christ crowned with thorns?”
This natural compassion for the poor inspired many charitable works throughout Elizabeth’s life.
Elizabeth later married a German prince, Ludwig. They had a happy marriage and together had three children.
Even though Elizabeth had many royal duties, she spent much time using her wealth to serve the poor. She fed the hungry, cared for poor children, built a hospital for the sick and elderly, and visited its patients daily. Although some members of the royal family disapproved of her charitable works, Ludwig was supportive.
After just six years of marriage, Ludwig tragically died of an illness contracted while fighting in the Crusades. When Elizabeth heard the news, she said, “He is dead. He is dead. It is to me as if the whole world died today.”
From then on, Elizabeth delved further into her charitable work. She vowed never to remarry and joined the Third Order of the Franciscans. She continued to serve the poor and grow in holiness.
Following Ludwig’s death, Elizabeth received her dowry back, which she used to further support her charitable endeavors.
Elizabeth died at the age of 24. She is the patron saint of widows, brides, the death of children, charities, beggars, and homeless people. We celebrate her feast day on November 17.
Lessons From St. Elizabeth of Hungary
When we face any kind of suffering, including trauma, we often turn in on ourselves and focus on relieving our pain. This response is a natural response, but when we turn inward, we cut ourselves off from our community and from God, which are the things that bring us comfort and healing.
When two people she loved dearly died in tragic ways, Elizabeth did not turn inward. Instead, these events became catalysts for her growth in prayer and her mission of charity. If she had turned inward, many people who needed help would have gone unserved.
May St. Elizabeth of Hungary intercede for all facing trauma that we may ask for the Lord’s grace to turn outward towards God, our community, and our mission, even in the face of trauma, and allow it to become a catalyst for growth.