St. Elisabeth with boy

Saint Elizabeth of Thuringia

Saint Elizabeth of Thuringia is one of the most revered figures of Christian charity and a model of compassion for the entire world. She was born in 1207 to Andrew II, King of Hungary, and Gertrude of Andechs, and from childhood showed deep sensitivity toward the poor.

In 1221, at the age of fourteen, she was married for political reasons to Ludwig, son of the Landgrave of Thuringia. Despite this, the couple lived a surprisingly happy marriage and had three children: Hermann, Sophie, and Gertrude. Elizabeth cared deeply for her family but also for the countless poor living near the castle, whom she helped tirelessly. Though criticized by many nobles, she was fully supported by her husband.

When Ludwig died in 1227 during a crusade, Elizabeth was left without protection and was expelled from the court by her husband’s relatives. She later received compensation and settled near Marburg, where she founded a hospital for the poorest and worked there day and night, despite her fragile health.

Moved by the desire to imitate Christ, she entered the Third Order of Saint Francis and chose to live in complete poverty, even entrusting her children to others. She died on 17 November 1231, at only twenty-four years of age. Numerous miracles reported at her tomb led to her canonization just four years later.

Today, significant pilgrimage sites connected to her life are Marburg (Germany) and Košice (Slovakia).

Iconography

Depicted in noble or simple garments; performing acts of charity; washing the feet of the poor; with bread, wine, a jug, a spoon, a basket of roses, a church model, a crown, or a book.

Feast Day

17 November
19 November (Germany)

Patronage

Of Hesse, Thuringia, Caritas Associations, the Teutonic Order, Saint Elizabeth Associations, lace-makers, bakers, widows, orphans, beggars, the sick, the innocent persecuted, and all people in need.