St. Elizabeth of Hungary
Patroness of Bakers and the Homeless
Feast Day: November 17
Biography
St. Elizabeth of Hungary (1207–1231) was a princess born to the King of Hungary and married at fourteen to Ludwig IV of Thuringia, whom she loved deeply. Despite her royal status, she lived with remarkable simplicity and devoted herself to caring for the poor, the sick, and the hungry. She built hospitals, distributed food and clothing, and personally nursed the sick — including lepers. When her husband died during the Crusades in 1227, Elizabeth was expelled from the castle by her brother-in-law. She became a Franciscan tertiary and spent her remaining years in extreme poverty, continuing her charitable works until her death at age twenty-four. The famous 'Miracle of the Roses' is associated with her: when her husband intercepted her carrying bread to the poor and demanded to see what she was hiding, the bread was miraculously transformed into roses.
Patronages
Symbols
Prayer
St. Elizabeth, you served Christ in the poorest of the poor with royal generosity. Help me to see Jesus in those who suffer and to serve them with love. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Asking for Intercession
Catholics ask saints to pray with us and for us, as we ask friends on earth. St. Elizabeth of Hungary, who lives in God's presence, intercedes before His throne. Speak from your heart: “St. Elizabeth of Hungary, please pray for me…” You may also pray the prayer above or include this intention in your Rosary.