Elizabeth of Hungary
Elizabeth of Hungary, also known as Elisabeth of Thuringia, was a princess of the Kingdom of Hungary and the landgravine of Thuringia. She is remembered as a symbol of Christian charity, having used her dowry to build a hospital and care for the sick after being widowed at a young age. Canonized in 1235, she is venerated as a saint by the Catholic Church and honored as the patroness of the Third Order of St. Francis.
- Feast Day
- November 17
- Century
- 13th century
- Country Or Region
- Hungary
Key Facts
- ›She was born on 7 July 1207, the daughter of King Andrew II of Hungary and Gertrude of Merania.
- ›Elizabeth was married at 14 to Louis IV, Landgrave of Thuringia, and widowed at 20.
- ›After her husband's death, she used her dowry to build a hospital and personally cared for the sick.
- ›She was canonized by Pope Gregory IX on 25 may 1235.
- ›Elizabeth is an early member and patroness of the Third Order of St. Francis.
- ›She died in Marburg at the age of 24 on 17 November 1231.
Elizabeth of Thuringia, Heilige Elisabeth von Thüringen, Árpád-házi Szent Erzsébet, Svätá Alžbeta Uhorská
About Elizabeth of Hungary
Saint Elizabeth of Hungary
Saint Elizabeth of Hungary (1207–1231), also known as Elisabeth of Thuringia, was a princess of the Kingdom of Hungary and the landgravine of Thuringia. Her life, though tragically short, became a powerful testament to Christian charity and devotion.
Early Life and Marriage
Born into royalty, Elizabeth was the daughter of King Andrew II of Hungary and Gertrude of Merania. She was brought to the court of Thuringia in central Germany to be betrothed to Louis IV, Landgrave of Thuringia, a union intended to strengthen political alliances. She married Louis in 1221 at the age of fourteen, and the marriage was reportedly happy.
Charitable Work and Widowhood
Elizabeth developed strong religious inclinations, influenced by Franciscan friars and her confessor, Konrad von Marburg. During a period of famine and plague in 1226, she took control of affairs and distributed alms extensively, even giving away state robes. Her life changed irrevocably on September 11, 1227, when her husband died while en route to the Sixth Crusade. Widowed at twenty, Elizabeth faced further challenges, including disputes over her dowry and pressure to remarry. She eventually left the court and moved to Marburg, where she made solemn vows of celibacy and obedience.
Founding a Hospital and Legacy
In Marburg, Elizabeth used the money from her dowry to build a hospital for the poor and sick, where she and her companions personally cared for them. This act of dedicated service cemented her reputation for immense charity. She died in Marburg in 1231 at the age of twenty-four.
Canonization and Veneration
Miracles were reported at Elizabeth's grave soon after her death, leading to an examination of these claims. She was canonized by Pope Gregory IX on May 25, 1235, just four years after her death. Elizabeth became a significant figure of pilgrimage, and her shrine in Marburg was a center of devotion. She is venerated as a saint by the Catholic Church and is an early member and patroness of the Third Order of St. Francis. Common iconographic symbols include a basket of bread or roses.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Saint Elizabeth of Hungary born?
Saint Elizabeth of Hungary was born on 7 July 1207. The exact location of her birth is debated, with traditions suggesting Sárospatak or Pozsony (present-day Bratislava) in Hungary.
Why is Saint Elizabeth of Hungary remembered for charity?
Elizabeth is remembered for her profound Christian charity. After being widowed at 20, she used her dowry to establish a hospital in Marburg, where she personally cared for the sick and poor.
What is the significance of the 'miracle of the roses' associated with Saint Elizabeth?
The popular legend of the miracle of the roses, though sometimes attributed to another saint, states that when Elizabeth was secretly taking bread to the poor, roses appeared under her cloak to prove her charitable actions to her husband. However, her vitae indicate her husband always supported her charity.
Who was Saint Elizabeth's confessor and what was his influence?
Konrad von Marburg became Elizabeth's confessor and gained considerable influence over her. He appointed her to take control of affairs during a time of famine and plague, and later, after her widowhood, imposed strict rules and commands on her, including vows of celibacy and obedience.
When and how was Saint Elizabeth canonized?
Elizabeth died on 17 November 1231. Following reports of miracles at her grave, examinations were held, and she was canonized by Pope Gregory IX on 25 May 1235, a remarkably quick process.
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