Saint Elizabeth of Hungary: Biography, Miracle of the Roses, and Prayers
“I do not want to frighten God with a gloomy face. Does He not prefer to see me joyful since I love Him and He loves me?”
Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, also known as Elizabeth of Thuringia, was born on July 7, 1207, in Pressburg (modern-day Bratislava). From childhood, she prayed to the Lord as often as possible. A sovereign of Thuringia and member of the Third Order of St. Francis (a lay association founded by for married couples and laypeople to live in the spirit of Franciscan simplicity), Elizabeth became a model of through her piety, devotion to others, and total surrender to Christ. She is and is the of nurses.
Life of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary
Betrothed at age 4 and married at 14 to Louis IV of Thuringia, Elizabeth lived from 1211 to 1228 at Wartburg Castle. After encountering Franciscan teachings, she renounced her luxurious life as a princess to serve the poor. Her deep piety alienated her from the court, particularly her mother-in-law Sophia of Bavaria, who criticized her fervent faith (Elizabeth once laid her crown at the foot of a cross in church, prompting her mother-in-law to scold her for behavior unbecoming a princess. Elizabeth replied, “How can I wear a golden crown when the Lord wears a crown of thorns?”).
Though their marriage was arranged, Elizabeth and Louis shared a sincere and virtuous love. They prayed together, striving to follow God’s will, and had three children—a son and two daughters (the youngest born after Louis’ death). Louis supported Elizabeth’s care for the sick and homeless, once telling her, “Dear Elizabeth, it is Christ whom you have washed, fed, and cared for,” during the Miracle of the Roses.
Tragically, Louis died during a crusade, leaving Elizabeth widowed at 20, deeply grief-stricken.
Refusing remarriage, Elizabeth was exiled from the court. She wandered from village to village, serving the sick, working wherever needed, and finding solace in prayer. She declared to Jesus, “Lord, You wish to be mine, and I wish to be Yours. Never let me be separated from You.” With reclaimed inheritance, she built a hospital for the poor and sick, spending her final three years feeding the hungry, nursing the ill, and comforting the dying. She died at 24, after falling ill. In her last week, she secluded herself to pray alone with Christ.
Her holiness was so widely attested that Pope Gregory IX canonized her just four years later.
The Miracle of the Roses
While still a queen, Elizabeth regularly visited the sick and even turned the castle into a hospital during wars.
One day, while carrying bread to the poor in her apron, she encountered her husband, who asked what she was hiding. She lied, claiming it was roses. Overcome with guilt, she confessed it was bread and opened her apron—only to reveal a bouquet of magnificent roses. Each act of charity was like a flower offered to God. Louis praised her kindness.
Pray with Saint Elizabeth
Hymn to Saint Elizabeth
“Elizabeth, your life revealed
The Father’s love for all to see.
Those who loved you could not stay silent—
Their eyes beheld your sanctity.
Refrain:
Almighty God, console the sorrow
Of His children lost in earthly night:
A precious gem, a radiant light,\
A glimpse of holiness they borrow,\
Manifesting His warm presence bright.
Against their will, even the wicked,\
Who tormented you with cruel disdain,\
Found God beside them, breaking chains,\
Opened hearts, turned to His face again.
Lord, show us signs beyond all measure,\
Sent to pierce our darkest night,\
To proclaim Your boundless might,\
And Your tender, ineffable treasure.
Alleluia!”
Prayer for the Graces of Saint Elizabeth
“Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, Mother of the poor and humble, faithful spouse, be Christ’s Light, we implore you. Queen, you laid your crown at the feet of the Lord crucified for our sins, renouncing worldly pride to belong wholly to God and serve the suffering. From Him, our Good Samaritan, you received the command: ‘Go and do likewise’ (Luke 10:37), and you embraced the humble act of washing feet (John 13:15). Through your intercession, may our Lord renew in us the gifts of presence, compassion, and selflessness in small, human gestures. Teach spouses to receive one another as God’s gifts, as you and Louis witnessed even in forgiveness. Grant them fidelity beyond hope, as you endured the trial of widowhood. Pray that our charity, like roses offered, may heal the wounded—children, youth, the humble, and the broken—through the Church’s simple acts. Keep alive in us the burning desire to cleanse all that distorts the Lord’s true face in His Church. Amen.”
Continue Your Prayer with Saint Elizabeth Through Hozana!
Join Hozana’s communities to pray in fellowship!
Follow Saint Elizabeth’s example by , the sick, and the homeless.
Saint Elizabeth and Louis exemplify love rooted in Truth. to grow in grace through this retreat!
Inspired by Elizabeth’s Franciscan spirit, by meditating on the life of Saint Francis!
