Elizabeth of Hungary

The numerous "St. Elizabeth's Hospitals" throughout the world are for the most part named, not for the Biblical Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist, but for this princess of Hungary. She was concerned for the relief of the poor and the sick, and with her husband's consent she used her dowry money for their relief.

During a famine and epidemic in 1226, while her husband was away in Italy, she sold her jewels and established a hospital where she nursed the sick, and opened the royal granaries to feed the hungry. After her husband's death in 1227, her in-laws, who opposed her "extravagances," expelled her from Wartburg. Finally an arrangement was negotiated with them that gave her a stipend. She became a Franciscan tertiary (lay associate) and devoted the remainder of her life to nursing and charity. She sewed garments to clothe the poor, and went fishing to feed them.


Propers for Elizabeth of Hungary - Princess


The Collect.

ALMIGHTY and everlasting God, who didst enkindle the flame of thy love in the heart of thy servant Elizabeth: Grant to us, thy humble servants, the same faith and power of love; that as we rejoice in her triumph, we may profit by her example; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.


The Lesson - Tobit 12:6b-9.


The Gospel - St. Matthew 25:31-40.


Reference and Resources:

http://elvis.rowan.edu/~kilroy/JEK/11/19.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elizabeth_of_Hungary
http://www.newadvent.org/cathen/05389a.htm
http://www.commonprayer.org/calend/propers/elizab.cfm


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