Prayers Inspired by the Saints

As we reflect on our call to promote the common good, consider the story of St. Elizabeth of Hungary, who advocated for and gave generously to the poor despite the exclusion from her family and community it caused her.

Though born of Hungarian royalty, for political reasons, St. Elizabeth of Hungary was betrothed to Prince Ludwig of Thuringia, Germany, at a very young age. While her husband’s family disapproved of Elizabeth’s extreme generosity to those in need, Ludwig’s perspective was one of pride and understanding. When a famine hit in 1225, he supported her when she distributed the palace supply of grain to the needy and gave up the royal family’s own clothes to provide for those without. After King Ludwig died of plague, Elizabeth devoted herself to God by caring for the poor and sick. She helped to build a hospital and continued to give generously, despite the lack of acceptance from her in-laws.