Not too many princesses looked beyond the walls of their palaces to notice the poor—the people who more than likely made up most of their realm. But Elizabeth of Hungary did. Married in 1221 to Louis of Thuringia, a pious husband, she lived simply and devoted herself to works of mercy even though she was the wife of a ruler. After the death of her husband in battle, she left court, arranged for the care of her three children, and associated herself with the Franciscans. She established a hospital and cared for the sick until her early death at the age of 24. The symbols of her sainthood include bread and a pitcher. May Elizabeth inspire us to provide a royal welcome to those in need with abundant charity.
1 Maccabees 1:10-15, 41-43, 54-57, 62-63; Luke 18:35-43 (497).
“A blind man was sitting by the roadside begging …. He shouted, ‘Jesus, Son of David, have pity on me!’"