Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, Saint of the day for November 17

Saint of the day for November 17
(1207-17 November 1231)

Story of St. Elizabeth of Hungary

In her short life, Elizabeth manifested such great love for the poor and suffering that she became the patroness of Catholic charities and the Secular Franciscan Order. Daughter of the King of Hungary, Elizabeth chose a life of penance and asceticism when a life of leisure and luxury could easily have been hers. This choice has endeared her to the hearts of ordinary people across Europe.

At the age of 14, Elizabeth was married to Louis of Thuringia, whom she loved deeply. She gave birth to three children. Under the spiritual direction of a Franciscan friar, he led a life of prayer, sacrifice and service to the poor and the sick. Trying to become one with the poor, he wore simple clothes. Every day he brought bread to hundreds of the poorest in the country who came to his door.

After six years of marriage, her husband died during the Crusades and Elizabeth was grieved. Her husband's family regarded her as a waste of the royal purse and mistreated her, finally throwing her out of the palace. The return of her husband's allies from the Crusades led to her reinstatement, as her son was the rightful heir to the throne.

In 1228 Elizabeth became part of the Secular Franciscan Order, spending the last years of her life taking care of the poor in a hospital she founded in honor of St. Francis of Assisi. Elizabeth's health deteriorated and she died before her 24th birthday in 1231. Her great popularity led to her canonization four years later.

Reflection

Elizabeth well understood the lesson Jesus taught when he washed his disciples' feet at the Last Supper: A Christian must be one who serves the humblest needs of others, even if he serves from a high position. Of royal blood, Elizabeth could have ruled over her subjects. Yet she served them with such a loving heart that her short life earned her a special place in the hearts of many. Elizabeth is also an example for us in her following the guidance of a spiritual director. Growth in the spiritual life is a difficult process. We can play very easily if we don't have someone to challenge us.