By Francisco de Zurbarán
ELIZABETH OF HUNGARY (1231)
Patron of the Third Order
Daughter of the King of Hungary, Elizabeth married a German prince at the age of 14. Though a politically arranged marriage, it was one of loving contentment, but her husband died six years later.
During the marriage, Elizabeth gave much of her time and her kingdom’s money to charity and hospital work. While in deep grief, she was driven from her home by relatives fearful she would further deplete the kingdom’s treasury by her charity work.
She settled with her children in very tough circumstances in Marburg. She was determined to devote the remainder of her life to God, and so she renounced her wealth, joined the Third Order, corresponded copiously with Clare, and gave herself to the care of the poor and sick.
She is remembered as the princess who made garments for those in need and went fishing to get them food.
Collect: Merciful God, who helped Elizabeth of Hungary recognize and honor Jesus in the poor: Grant that we may use the prosperity of this present world for the glory of your eternal Kingdom; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
HE: Tobit 12: 6b-9
Psalm 146: 4-9 or 112: 1-9
Matthew 25: 31-40
MP: Psalm 45
Proverbs 31: 10-31
Romans 12: 1-13
EP Psalm 122, 127
Philippians 4:6-13
Matthew 25:31-40
A Word From the Wise 