Life of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, duchess of Thuringia

Elizabeth of Hungary (1207 - November 1231), is also known as Saint Elizabeth of Thuringia. She was a princess in the Kingdom of Hungary, known as Landgravine of Thuringia, German. She was an early member of the Third Order of St. Francis, and would later be honored as its patroness.

Elizabeth was married when she was 14, and widowed when she was 20. After her husband died she sent away her children and regained her dowry. She used the money to construct a hospital where she ministered to the sick. She became a symbol of Christian charity after her death at the age of 24. She was later canonized in 1235.