A famous legend says her husband once stopped her as she carried bread hidden in her cloak to the poor. When he asked to see what she was carrying, he found only roses. Ludwig died on crusade in 1227, and Elizabeth, widowed at twenty, was driven from the castle by his family. She became a Franciscan tertiary, built a hospital in Marburg and nursed the sick herself. She died in 1231, aged twenty-four.
Historical Context
A November 17 Prayer
Lord, on the feast of St Elizabeth of Hungary,
give me a generous heart.
She had everything and gave it away;
let me give from what I have.
Bless food banks, hospitals and everyone who serves the poor.
Comfort widows, as she was a widow.
St Elizabeth, pray for us.
Amen.
A Prayer Before Serving the Hungry
Lord, as I serve food today, let me serve you.
Help me see each person, not just the line.
Amen.
A Thanksgiving-Season Prayer
Lord, as Thanksgiving approaches, remind me of those with empty tables.
Show me how to share.
Amen.
Best Times for This Prayer
- On 17 November.
- Before volunteering at a food bank or soup kitchen.
- When baking bread.
Scripture Connection
“For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink.” — Matthew 25:35
Elizabeth took this literally. The roses in her cloak were a legend; the bread was real.
Related prayers
For November, see the November 23 Prayer and November 24 Prayer. For widows, the Widow’s Prayer. For volunteers, the Volunteer Prayer.