She was born July 7, 1207. At an early age, the princess of the Kingdom of Hungary displayed a great love for the poor. Her devotion to the needy was so passionate that she willingly exchanged a life of royalty for a life of service to the destitute. At the age of 14, she married Ludwig IV of Thuringia and bore three children. With her husband’s support, Elizabeth led a simple life of prayer and used her position to serve the poor. She was responsible for building a hospital and personally helped care for the sick. Elizabeth sent clothing to the needy, and every day gave bread to those in need. “Everything I own really belongs to the poor,” she once said. In 1228, she joined the Third Order of St. Francis and spent the remaining years of her life helping the needy and sick. She used her money to build hospitals and care for the poor. Elizabeth of Hungary died on November 17, 1231, at the age of 24.
St. Elizabeth of Hungary Feast on November 17!