Patti Burris

Saint Elizabeth of Hungary (1207-1231) was born into royalty. She was engaged at the age of 4 to the eldest son of Landgrave Hermann I of Thuringia. She was moved into the castle at Thuringia at a very young age to be raised with her betrothed. Elizabeth grew into a young woman of strong religious beliefs and often suffered the hostility of those who felt judged of their own sinful natures.

In 1216, Elizabeth’s betrothed died and she was immediately betrothed to the Landgraves other son, Ludwig. In 1221, Elizabeth and Ludwig were married. He was 21 and she was only 14. Ludwig was always a loving husband and protected Elizabeth, giving her the religious freedom she needed to worship and perform acts of charity.

At the age of 19, Elizabeth built a hospital below the castle. She was always about the business of caring for the poor and lost.

In 1227, Elizabeth received the news that Ludwig had died from disease while away on a crusade. She had just given birth to their third child. Elizabeth turned fully to God and made a vow of chastity. In 1228, she took the vows of a nun of the Third Order of Saint Francis.

Elizabeth was under the supervision of a spiritual director who was harsh and often disciplined her in harsh ways. He beat her and ordered her children sent away.

I can only imagine her heartache at having her children sent away from her. She made arrangements for her children, renounced the world and lived the rest of her short life caring for the sick and poor in the hospital that she had built. She was only 24 when she died.

Although, Saint Elizabeth did not raise her children after the death of Ludwig, she was a single mom and loved her children dearly. Would she have given up her children on her own? I would say no. We have to remember that she was a young woman, alone in a tough world. Not unlike what many of us, as single moms, live through now.

Her children grew up to be leaders in their own right. I am sure that had to do with her own character. If you have suffered in your role as a single mom, know that you are not alone. There are single moms throughout history who’s lives have been recorded to encourage you on your single mom journey. There are also, many, many single moms walking the same path that you are on. You are not alone!

If you need someone to talk to, contact me. You are not alone, single mom!

My information for this portrait has come primarily from http://www.stelizabeth.webhero.com/index.html. There are many different websites that give information about this wonderful woman. Some websites differ in some of their information. I encourage you to do your own research.