Life of Saint Elisabeth of Hungary

St. Elisabeth (Erzsébet) of Hungary  was born in Sárospatak, Hungary in 1207 and died in Marburg, Germany in 1231. She was the daughter of King Andrew II of Hungary (1175–1235) Elisabeth was widowed while still young, relinquished her wealth to the poor, built hospitals, and thus became a symbol of Christian charity.

Elisabeth learned to pray as a baby in her cradle. As a toddler, she enjoyed visiting the chapel. When she played with other children and won a prize, she would give it away to the loser. Even as a small child she realized that there were lots of poor children who didn't have enough to eat.  She would share out to them any cakes or sweeties that she received for herself.  Seeing that it was not enough, she sneaked into the kitchen of the castle, filled her apron with the best pieces of food, and handed it out to the needy children.

She was still small, only four years old, when she was taken to Germany to live among strangers at Wartburg castle.  She was lonely and often visited the chapel where she felt comforted in the company of Jesus and all the saints. The prince who was to be her husband, loved her very much and always defended her if someone wanted to hurt her. Years later, when they were married, her husband continued to protect her and stood by her, even when she had opened up the food stores of the castle to give food to the poor. At that time there was an epidemic and many people fell ill.  Elisabeth built a hospice at the foot of the castle, but it could not accommodate all those who were ill.  Elisabeth felt, she couldn't leave sick people out on the street, and brought them into the castle.  The royal household didn't like this, and ran to complain to her husband.  Louis always agreed with whatever Elisabeth had done.

Elisabeth is perhaps best known for the legend which says that whilst she was taking bread to the poor in secret, her husband asked her what was in the pouch; Elisabeth opened it and the bread turned into roses

Elisabeth died in Marburg at only 24 years of age. Very soon after the death of Elizabeth miracles began to be worked at her grave in the church of the hospital, especially miracles of healing.  She was canonized by Pope Gregory IX in 1235. Her body was laid in a magnificent golden shrine — still to be seen today — in the Elisabethkirche in Marburg. Elisabeth's shrine became one of the main German centres of pilgrimage of the entire 14th century and early 15th century.