Feeding the Hung(a)ry

A very interesting tale of this young saint.  Much of her life was surrounded by political intrigue but she chose to remain holy and fulfill her duties to the poor.

Elizabeth of Hungary

Doll painted by another mother

Feast Day:  November 16
Birth:  1207
Death 1231
Hungary
Patron of widows and young brides
Daughter of King of Hungary

At the young age of four years old, Elizabeth was sent from her parents and home.  She was sent to live with the family of the prince (province in Germany) she was betrothed to marry to provide stability between the two kingdoms.  The idea was to have Elizabeth learn the language and customs of this kingdom.

Elizabeth would marry Ludwig IV when she was 14 years old at the same time he was raised to the throne (being only 16 years old himself).  In spite of this young arranged marriage, they cared for each other and were happy.

Ludwig approved of Elizabeth's care for the poor in his kingdom as he felt it would bring prosperity to his kingdom and their eternal lives.  She was often seen distributing bread to the poor, as well as wool that she herself spun into cloth.

In 1223, Franciscan missionaries came to the kingdom and taught Elizabeth their ways of charity.  This furthered her desire to take care of the poor.  This, along with the introduction of a pious confessor (Konrad von Marburg), came at a time of upheaval in the area.  In 1226, Ludwig was sent away to represent the emperor and Elizabeth was left to care for the kingdom.  At this time, floods, famine, and plague had taken over the area.  Elizabeth was quick to act, even giving away castle riches to support the needs of the people.  She set up a hospital directly in front of the castle, and cared for patients herself if needed.

In 1227, Elizabeth was left a widow when Ludwig died of a fever in his route to the 6th Crusade.  By this time, the two had been blessed with three children but the eldest was only five years old and could not take the thrown.  This left Ludwig's brother to carry out the royal duties.  Elizabeth would follow the request of her Konrad and leave the castle, although the royal family desired her to remain.  It seems the royal family wanted her to remarry for political stability.  It was at this time that she took on special vows much like a nun that she would retain for the remainder of her life.

Unfortunately, Konrad took advantage of Elizabeth's obedience and treated her cruelly,  She was practically a hostage within the walls of the castle.  She was finally able to retrieve her own inheritance and created a hospital at the castle where she ministered to the sick and continued to give to the poor.

There are many stories of miracles in association with Elizabeth during her life.  I would like to think these stories reflect her pious desire to care for those around her.  She lived a short life, dying in 1231 at the age of 24.  Very soon after the death of Elizabeth, miracles were reported that happened at her grave in the church of the hospital, especially those of healing.