| Saint Elizabeth —
Patron Saint of Young Brides, Widows,
Nursing Services, Bakers "St.
Elizabeth was born in Hungary in 1207, the daughter of Alexander II, King of Hungary.
In 1221, she married Louis of Thuringia and in spite of her position at court
began to lead an austerely simple life, practiced penance, and devoted herself
to works of charity. Her husband was himself 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, St. Elizabeth left the court and made arrangements for the care of
her children. In 1228 she renounced the world, and became 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. St Elizabeth's gifts of bread
to the poor, and of a large gift of grain to a famine stricken Germany, led to
her patronage of bakers and related fields." Prayer
for True Riches re Saint Elizabeth
"Sweet Jesus, Saint Elizabeth
was a princess who married a prince. Concerned for the poor, she donated to them
her portion of the prince's income and then sold her luxurious possessions to
give them more. After her husband died, she renounced worldly wealth, built a
hospice for the weak and sickly, and invited the most wretched to dine with her.
I ask her to intercede for the salvation of all rich persons today, for You said
it's hard for them to enter the kingdom of Heaven. Replace greedy hearts with
the same generous heart You gave to Saint Elizabeth. Help us all to discover Your
true riches. Saint Elizabeth, pray for us. Amen." Prayer
of Widows and Widowers
Lord Jesus Christ, during your earthly life You
showed compassion on those who had lost a loved one. Turn your compassionate eyes
on me in my sorrow over the loss of my life's partner. Take him/her into your
heavenly kingdom as a reward for his/her earthly service. Help
me to cope with my loss by relying on You even more than before. Teach me to adapt
to the new conditions of my life and to continue doing your will as I see it.
Enable me to avoid withdrawing from life and make me give myself to others more
readily, so that I may continue to live in your grace and to do the tasks that
You have laid out for me. Amen." | 
