St. Elizabeth of Hungary
A Beacon of Charity and Compassion
"Wherever there is a need, there is an opportunity to serve."
Saint Facts
- Origin:
- Hungary
- Gender:
- Female
- Vocation:
- Laity
- Birth:
- 1207
- Feast Day:
- Nov 17
- Death:
- 1231
Saint Details
St. Elizabeth of Hungary, born in 1207 in Pressburg (modern-day Bratislava), was a princess of the Árpád dynasty, daughter of King Andrew II of Hungary and Gertrude of Merania. From a young age, Elizabeth was betrothed to Louis IV, Landgrave of Thuringia, and was sent to live at the Wartburg Castle in Germany to be raised in his court. She married Louis in 1221 at the age of 14, and the couple had three children. Elizabeth’s life was marked by her deep piety and commitment to serving the poor, which she pursued even as a noblewoman. Her husband, Louis, supported her charitable works, but after his death in 1227 during the Sixth Crusade, Elizabeth faced opposition from her in-laws, who disapproved of her generosity. She was eventually forced to leave the court and lived in poverty, dedicating herself entirely to caring for the sick and needy. She joined the Third Order of St. Francis, becoming one of the earliest Franciscan tertiaries, and founded a hospital in Marburg, Germany, where she personally tended to the poor and lepers. Elizabeth died in 1231 at the young age of 24, exhausted by her rigorous asceticism and charitable labors.
Associated Holy Sites
St. Elizabeth's Church
Elisabethstraße 3, 35037 Marburg, Germany
Details for: St. Elizabeth's Church
St. Elizabeths Church, located in Marburg, Germany, is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Catholics. The church is dedicated to St. Elizabeth of Hungary, a 13th-century saint known for her charitable works, particularly towards the poor and sick. Completed in 1283, it is considered one of the earliest pure Gothic churches in Germany and is a marvel of medieval architecture. The church houses the tomb of St. Elizabeth, which was a major pilgrimage destination in the Middle Ages. Today, it continues to draw pilgrims from around the world who come to venerate the saint and admire the churchs beautiful architecture. The church also features a unique golden shrine of St. Elizabeth and an impressive collection of medieval art and relics. It serves not only as a place of worship but also as a historical and cultural monument, reflecting the rich religious heritage of the region. The tranquility and spiritual atmosphere of St. Elizabeths Church provide a serene space for prayer and contemplation for all its visitors.
🙏 No spam. Just grace. Unsubscribe anytime.