St. Elizabeth of Hungary was a thirteenth-century wife, mother, widow, and servant of the poor. Catholics seek her intercession for generous charity, fidelity in family life, and freedom from attachment to wealth or status.
Begin PrayingMore about St. Elizabeth of Hungary
Elizabeth was born into the Hungarian royal family in 1207 and was raised at the court of Thuringia. She married Ludwig IV, with whom she had three children, and used the resources of her position to feed the hungry, care for the sick, and assist people in debt or distress. Her marriage was marked by affection and shared faith. After Ludwig died while traveling to join a crusade, Elizabeth faced conflict over her property and the direction of her life.
As a widow, Elizabeth embraced a life of prayer, simplicity, and direct service. She founded a hospital at Marburg and associated herself with the Franciscan movement, caring personally for those whom society avoided. She died in 1231 at the age of twenty-four and was canonized only four years later. This novena asks for her help in recognizing Christ in the poor and in using family responsibilities, influence, and material goods according to the demands of the Gospel.
