Biography
Elizabeth was the daughter of King Andrew II of Hungary. Married at age 14 to Louis of Thuringia, they had a deeply loving marriage and three children. Under the spiritual influence of early Franciscan friars, Elizabeth used her royal position to care for the poor, building a hospital at the foot of her castle. When Louis died on Crusade, his family expelled Elizabeth from the court, seizing her dowry. She arranged for the care of her children, became a Secular Franciscan, and spent the remaining years of her short life living in poverty, spinning wool, and caring for the sickest patients—including lepers. She died at the age of 24.
Miracles & Signs
- ✦The Miracle of the Roses: caught sneaking bread to the poor, her cloak was opened to reveal beautiful roses instead
- ✦A leper she placed in her own bed miraculously appeared as the crucified Christ when her husband investigated
Wisdom & Quotes
“We are made to love and to be loved.”
“How could I bear a crown of gold, when the Lord bears a crown of thorns? And bears it for me!”