The numerous "St. Elizabeth's Hospitals" throughout the world are for the
most part named, not for the Biblical Elizabeth, the mother of John the Baptist, but for this princess of Hungary.
She was concerned for the relief of the poor and the sick, and with her
husband's consent she used her dowry money for their relief. During a
famine and epidemic in 1226, while her husband was away in Italy, she
sold her jewels and established a hospital where she nursed the sick, and
opened the royal granaries to feed the hungry. After her husband's death
in 1227, her inlaws, who opposed her "extravagances," expelled her from
Wartburg. Finally an arrangement was negotiated with them that gave her a
stipend. She became a Franciscan tertiary (lay associate) and devoted the
remainder of her life to nursing and charity. She sewed garments to
clothe the poor, and went fishing to feed them.
Almighty God, by whose grace thy 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 Jesus Christ, who liveth and reigneth with thee and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
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.