Do Good, Regardless Of The Reception

St. Elizabeth of Hungary Window by F. X.Zettler

During her marriage to the German Prince Louis, Saint Elizabeth of

The Charity of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary by Edmund Blair Leighton (1852 – 1922)

Hungary (1207-31), sometimes also known as St. Elizabeth of Thuringia, gained a reputation for generosity to the poor and sick. But Louis’ family was hostile to Elizabeth and her open-handed ways, and when he died in an epidemic, her enemies sent her and her children into a life of poverty. After recovering from this blow, Elizabeth, inspired by the example of Saint Francis of Assisi, established a small house of hospitality, and for the last years of her short life served the poor, the elderly, and the sick. It’s ironic how being generous can make a person unpopular. But there is never any shame in serving Christ’s poor. Make a habit of helping the aged, ill, and destitute around you.