On November 17th, the Catholic Church will celebrate the Feast of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary (1207-1231). During her short life, Elizabeth experienced great joy and deep sorrow. She was born a princess, married a prince at the age of fourteen, gave birth to three children, and was widowed at the age of twenty.

In 1223, two years after being married, Princess Elizabeth was visited by Franciscan Friars who had traveled from Central Italy to preach and give witness to the gospel life. Both Elizabeth and Ludwig, her husband, were deeply impressed by these friars, their simplicity, deep faith, and devotion to the poor. Despite their royal status, they began to live according to the ideals of Saint Francis of Assisi.

After Prince Ludwig’s death from plague in 1227, Elizabeth soon left the royal court. It is unclear whether she left of her own accord or whether she was driven away by the late prince’s power-hungry brother. In any case, Elizabeth soon made private vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience to God under the guidance of her confes- sor. In addition, with the dowry money that remained under her control, she built a hospital where she and some companions cared for the poor and the sick.

Princess Elizabeth’s profound faith and countless good works were soon noticed by Francis of Assisi. Shortly before his death in 1226, he sent her a personal blessing and message of encouragement. One can imagine Saint Francis confirming her gospel life by quoting from Saint Paul’s Letter to the Romans: “Do not conform yourself to this age but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, so that you may discern what is the will of God and what is good, pleasing, and perfect (Romans 12:2).”

Although it is unclear whether Elizabeth ever took formal vows as a Secular Franciscan, she wore a Franciscan habit and sought to faithfully live according to the ideals of the Poor Man of Assisi. When Elizabeth died in 1231, at the age of just twenty- four, it was the Secular Franciscans who worked for her canonization. After her death, miracles of healing were documented at her grave.

It took just four years for the Vatican to document and discern her holiness. Elizabeth was canonized in 1235 by Pope Gregory IX. Nearly eight centuries later, Saint Elizabeth of Hungary is venerated all around the world as the patron of brides, bakers, nurses, widows, hospitals, and the homeless, the poor, and the sick. She is also venerated as a patron saint of the Third Order of Saint Francis.

At the Basilica of Saint Francis of Assisi, there is a museum of art and iconography with priceless works that span the centuries. Toward the back of the museum is an ancient icon of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary that truly serves as a window into the heavens (see image above). Dressed in the habit of the Poor Ladies and carrying the roses that symbolize the bread with which she fed the hungry, Saint Elizabeth looks deeply into our hearts as she beckons us: “Live the Gospel. Share God’s love. Give to the poor. Care for the sick. Clothe the naked. Rebuild the Church!”

Reverend James M. Achadinha, Pastor
Catholic Community of Gloucester & Rockport
Contact: frjim@ccgronline.com

CCGR Weekly Newsletter (11-14-21)
Bringing Home the Word (11-14-21)
The Kids Bulletin (11-14-21)

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Living the Gospel
Saint Elizabeth of Hungary
Loving Christ in the Poor