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 Saint Elizabeth Hungary 8th Centenary of Birth Scott 1365 (2007) November 17 marks the Feast of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, who died on this date in 1231. The Vatican City stamp shown above was issued in 2007 to commemorate the 800th anniversary of her birth. Elizabeth II (1207-1231), born at Bratislava, was the daughter of King Andrew II of Hungary and at age14 married the Landgrave of Thuringia, Louis IV. This was a love match and happy marriage. She bore three children, and “was generous to a fault, spending enormous sums on almsgiving, founding hospitals and providing for helpless children, especially orphans [writes David Farmer].” Her husband joined the 5th Crusade under Frederick II and died of the plague in 1227. This heavy blow was compounded by her being removed from the Thuringian court in winter by her brother in law. She provided for her children to be raised by others and settled in Marburg. Elizabeth “renounced the world,” and became a Franciscan tertiary under the direction of her confessor, Conrad of Marburg, who proved to be a rigorous, unkind, and domineering force in her life. (He was a highly educated theologian and also an inquisitor and fought against heretical movements in Hesse and Thuringia). Donald Attwater writes, “His treatment of her was ruthless, at times brutal, and she admitted how much she feared him. But his methods did not break her spirit: she was obedient retained her sense of humour, and bowed before every storm; and after it had passed she straightened up strong and unhurt, like grass after heavy rain (the comparison is her own).” Elizabeth worked to help those in poverty or sick and elderly and was tireless in assisting those who were in need. She founded a hospital located near home, where she performed menial tasks. After two years and exhausted by the conditions under which she labored she died at the age of 24. She was canonized in 1235 and in 1236 her relics were transferred to the Church of St. Elizabeth in Marburg. Later, during the Lutheran Reformation, her remains were moved to an undisclosed location. She has the reputation of being one of the most-loved German saints. Click on today's Page 2 tab for additional information on the stamp issued by Vatican City to commemorate the 800th anniversary of the birth of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary. REFERENCES: |
