Today
we remember and give thanks for Elizabeth of Hungary. Born in Pressburg, Hungary, in 1207,
Elizabeth was the daughter of King Andrew II and his wife Gertrude. Given as a
bride in an arranged political marriage, Elizabeth became the wife of Louis of
Thuringia in Germany at the age of 14. She had a spirit of Christian generosity
and charity, and the home she established for her husband and three children in
the Wartburg Castle at Eisenach was known for its hospitality and family love.
Elizabeth often supervised the care of the sick and needy and even gave up her
bed to a leper at one time. Widowed at the age of 20, she made provisions for
her children and entered into an austere life as a nun in the Order of Saint
Francis. Her self-denial led to failing health and an early death in 1231 at
the age of 24. Remembered for her self-sacrificing ways, Elizabeth is
commemorated through the many hospitals named for her around the world.
Collect of the Day:
Mighty King, whose inheritance is not of this world, inspire in us
the humility and benevolent charity of Elizabeth of Hungary. She scorned her bejeweled crown with thoughts
of the thorned one her Savior donned for her sake and ours, that we, too, might
live a life of sacrifice, pleasing in Your sight and worthy of the name of Your
Son, Christ Jesus, who with the Holy Spirit reigns with You forever in the
everlasting kingdom.
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