Monday, July 09, 2007

Pope Benedict XVI marks Saint Elizabeth's 800th birth anniversary

Pope Benedict XVI has asked Cardinal Peter Erdo to inform Hungary's faithful that he will be spiritually involved in commemorations marking the 800th birth anniversary of Saint Elizabeth of Hungary this year, the Catholic Bishops' Conference (MKPK) spokesman told MTI on Saturday.

In a letter to the Cardinal, the Pope called Elizabeth a true European saint and an example of evangelization to be followed both in her time and today, said Csongor Szerdahelyi.

The Holy Father said that a more profound knowledge of Saint Elizabeth's life and merits would help Hungary -- and the rest of Europe -- to rediscover their Christian roots. St. Elizabeth of Hungary (1207-31), the daughter of King Andrew II, married Ludwig IV of Thuringia and spent most of her life in the castle of Wartburg (now in Germany).

She was widowed while still young, relinquished her wealth to the poor, built hospitals, and thus became a symbol of Christian charity.

Elizabeth is perhaps best known for the legend which says that whilst she was taking bread to the poor in secret, her husband asked her what was in the pouch; Elizabeth opened it and the bread turned into roses.

She was canonized four years after her death by Gregory IX.

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