St. Elizabeth of Hungary: Queen and benefactress of the poor

The feast of St. Elizabeth of Hungary is celebrated every year on 17 November. St. Elizabeth of Hungary is a queen and benefactress of the poor known for her devotion to charity and helping the poor. She is often invoked for her compassion for the poor and for the needs of social workers. Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, patroness of the poor, pray for us to be instruments of charity.

Who is Saint Elizabeth of Hungary?

Her story

St. Elizabeth of Hungary, also known as St. Elizabeth of Thuringia, was a 13th-century Hungarian princess who dedicated her life to charity and prayer. She was famous for her charitable work with the poor and sick, and became a symbol of compassion and generosity. She founded hospitals and orphanages, and worked with the poor and needy of all social classes. She is also considered a patron saint of roses and was canonised by the Catholic Church in 1235.

Her significance

St Elizabeth of Hungary was a 13th century Hungarian princess who dedicated her life to the poor and sick. She is also known for her piety and devotion to God, as well as for her life of prayer and austerity. After the death of her husband, she joined the Franciscans and founded a hospital for the poor. She is venerated as a Catholic saint and is considered a model of charity, devotion and selfless service.

Celebration of the Feast of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary

Religious Rituals

This day is an opportunity for the faithful to celebrate the life and deeds of Saint Elizabeth. Some religious rituals include mass, prayer and veneration of her relics in some churches. There may also be special processions and blessings in her honour. In some places, acts of charity and solidarity with the needy are also carried out in her name.

Prayer to Saint Elizabeth of Hungary

O God, who granted St. Elizabeth of Hungary to imitate perfectly the examples of Christ's charity, grant us, through her intercession, to serve the poor and the sick with a loving heart.

We ask you to help us imitate her generosity and humility, so that we may be true witnesses of your mercy in the world.

We ask this in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord.

Amen.