I think the story of St. Elizabeth is a great one. There are many female saints that woman in religious life have to look towards for guidance. St. Clare comes to my mind, and I am sure you can think of many others.
St. Elizabeth of Hungary was a notable woman, and a saintly model for woman of laity in the church. She has shown in her life even if you wear the habit of a Franciscan or other orders you can reflect that rule of discipline, and your life their works.
With the approval of her husband St. Elizabeth dedicated her life to the poor, sick, and the hungry. She used her dowry to bring aid of those most in need of mercy. In the year 1226 Famine, sickness, and poverty covered the face of the earth. St. Elizabeth’s husband was away in Italy. She sold off her jewels, and earthy possessions to build hospital and also a feeding center. Her work continued, and many people’s lives were touched.
In 1227 her husband died. St. Elizabeth’s inlaws disowned her. They disapproved of her work, and the careless ways she gave away her money.
St. Elizabeth left Wartburg and the life she built. Over time an arrangement was negotiated with her family. This provided her a modest amount of money. She became a lay associate in the Order of Saint Francis and devoted the remainder of her life to nursing and charity.
So when you see a hospital or center of charity with St. Elizabeth’s name on it. Know that they are in the honor a continuation of the work of St. Elizabeth. I challenge anyone who reads this to search yourself. Ask our Lord how you can be more like St. Elizabeth. How can you impact and change the world around you. Maybe you can collect clothing. Offer time in a food bank. Serve at a homeless shelter. Most important whatever it is that you do in your life. Offer your works up to the Lord as a sacrifice. Do not do the good you do for earthly recognition, and reward.
Prayer
Almighty God, by whose grace your servant Elizabeth of Hungary Recognized and honored Jesus in the poor of this world: Grant that we, following her example, may with love and gladness serve those in any need or trouble, in the name and for the sake of through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.
Poem/prayer
O blest Elizabeth, in glory
Enthroned amid the heavenly throng,
Be gracious to accept the praises
We offer you in cheerful song.
As you from home and hearth were driven
And forced in direst want to roam,
So now direct us lonely exiles
And help us reach our heavenly home.
You practiced poverty: enrich us
With heaven’s choicest gifts secure;
You daily mortified your body:
Help us to keep our bodies pure.
The luring world and wily Satan
You overcame by watchful prayers;
Teach us with steadfast heart to conquer
Our enemies’ deceitful snares.
To God the Father highest glory
And to his only Son, our Lord.
Together with the Holy Spirit,
As years and ages endless run.
Hello,
I am the father of 7 children and for 5 of them I have a picture of their patron saint above their bed. My daughter Elisabeth, 4 years old, and my son Jude, born 3/16/2010, do not have pictures of their patron saints. In a google search I found a pretty image of St. Elizabeth of Hungary on your web site. It is in color and she has a crown and a gown filled with flowers Would you send a jpg file or other file of the image to me so I may print it out or send it to a photo delivery store to have a fine print of it printed out? Thank you for considering my request, Michael L. Murray
Dear Michael,
Thank you for such a great email. I will see what I can do, and email you the photo. What a wounder full thing you are doing for your children.
May God the Father bless you and keep you.
Kirk
Very nice article on St. Elizabeth of Hungary.
Thank you for such kind words. I checked out your blog. It will be one I will be following in the future. Pax! Kirk
St. Elizabeth Of Hungary is yet another treasure of our Catholic Faith,in which the Gifts of Our Lord are given every moment of our existence. The Narrow way is such because it locks out the wide array of secular rubbish and simply provides the path to Eternal Happiness,which is the only true happiness.
Thank you,kbpipes for posting the beautiful Prayer of St. Elizabeth. In my own home territory,I witness the loving Hands of Our Lady Of the Immaculate Conception(Cathedral)in Camden,NJ,which directly connects with the poor and destitute every day,at bare minimum with a lunch sandwich kitchen. Our Lady,the Refuge of the Poor,gives us such a strong Message.
Richard
Richard
Thank you for such nice comments. I love to hear what is going on around the country. Sounds like good things are happening in NJ. I pray that God would bless you all in your work. That our Blessed Mother would keep watch over you all, and bring you closer to her son Jesus.
Kirk
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