Princess of Thuringia. Symbol of charity throughout Europe

Today we celebrate St Elizabeth of Hungary (1207-1231), also called St Elizabeth of Thuringia. Complying with the customs of that time, Elizabeth's father had arranged for her to become a Princess of Thuringia. Elizabeth left her homeland with a rich dowry and a large entourage. At the Fortress of Wartburg (Thuringia, Germany) was celebrated the betrothal of Ludwig and Elizabeth. Despite the fact that political reasons had determined their betrothal, a sincere love developed between the two young people, enlivened by faith and by the desire to do God’s will. Elizabeth's marriage was profoundly happy: they had three children; she helped her husband to raise his human qualities to a supernatural level and he, in exchange, stood up for his wife's generosity to the poor and for her religious practices. But Ludwig fell ill and died (1227). —Elizabeth spent her last three years in the hospital she founded, serving the sick and keeping wake over the dying. She always tried to carry out the most humble services.