Although she was born into royalty, St. Elizabeth of Hungary used her status to go to extraordinary lengths to relieve the suffering of the poor and sick. Her example inspired many other noblewomen and rulers to do the same. From very early on, Elizabeth demonstrated a firm commitment to a life of prayer and simplicity.
In 1225, the royal kingdom was struck by famine, and Elizabeth responded by exhausting her own funds and her family’s store of corn in support of the hungry. For many years later, Elizabeth’s subjects reported that during the famine Elizabeth fed more than 1,000 people every day. Elizabeth took special care of orphans, and was prudent with her support of the poor, employing anyone who could work. Despite many obstacles, she always remained humble, and clung to her prayer and support of the poor.
Elizabeth fell ill and died on November 17, 1231, at the age of 24. Her holiness was apparent to everyone, and she was proclaimed a saint just four years later. Her life had a great influence on other noble women who sought to imitate her holiness—St. Hedwig, St. Agnes of Bohemia, and St. Judith, among others.
St. Elizabeth of Hungary, friend of the poor—pray for us!
