St. Elizabeth of Hungary, T.O.S.F. also known as Saint Elizabeth of Thuringia, was a princess of the Kingdom of Hungary, Alexander II. She was born in Hungary on 7th July 1207, as the daughter of Alexander II, King of Hungary. At the age of four she was sent for education to the court of the Landgrave of Thuringia, to whose infant son she was betrothed. As she grew in age, her piety also increased by leaps and bounds. In 1221, she married Louis of Thuringia. She led a austerely simple life, practiced penance, and devoted herself to works of charity.
Her husband was himself much inclined to religion and highly esteemed her virtue, encouraging her in her exemplary life. They had three children. Louis was killed while fighting with the Crusaders.
After his death, Elizabeth left the court, made arrangements for the care of her children, and in 1228 renounced the world, becoming a tertiary of St. Francis. She built the Franciscan hospital at Marburg and devoted herself to the care of the sick until her death at the age of 24 in 1231. Very soon after the death of Elizabeth, miracles were reported that happened at her grave in the church of the hospital.
She is the patron saint of bakers, countesses, dying children, exiles, the homeless, nursing services, tertiaries, lace - makers, widows, and young brides. Her symbols are alms, flowers, bread, the poor, and a pitcher. Saint Elizabeth is often depicted holding a basket of bread as characteristic of her devotion to the poor and hungry.
Elizabeth is best known for her “miracle of the roses” which says that while she was taking bread to the poor when she met her husband , who was out hunting in the forest. Another miracle the “Crucifix in the bed” is also well known among the artists. She was canonized on 25th May 1235 and greatly venerated as Catholic saint who was an early member of the Third Order of St. Francis, by which she is honoured as its patroness.
St. Elizabeth is Patroness of Sisters of Mercy of the Holy Cross.