St Elizabeth of Hungary.
1207-1231 ~ Daughter of Andrew II of Hungary, Elizabeth was born in Pressburg, Hungary in 1207. When she was four years old she was brought to the king’s court at Wartburg Castle to live. As a small child, she was betrothed to the young prince, Ludwig (sometimes referred to as Louis) who was eleven. They grew up together and were best friends. In 1221 they were married when she was only fourteen years old. They had a very happy marriage and together they had four children. Elizabeth became known for her charitable works, helping the sick and aged. Ludwig was a very patient man and tolerated Elizabeth’s religious behaviour, which included waking in the middle of the night to pray and at one time, she nursed a sick leper in their bed. Ludwig built a hospital for her to nurse the sick, before he set off on a crusade. He died of the plague while on the way to the Holy Land. Elizabeth was heartbroken. Shortly after, while still in mourning for her beloved husband, her brother-in-law accused her of mishandling the castle’s finances, caused by all her charitable works. She was forced to leave Wartburg and she entered a Franciscan convent after providing for her children. The rest of her life was spent in the convent, devoted to caring for the needy and sick. When she died at only twenty four years old, miracles began to occur at her graveside. She was canonised by Pope Gregory 1X in 1235.