St. Elizabeth of Hungary Novena
Contents
Show HideSt. Elizabeth of Hungary was part of a royal family. However, her status did not make her look down on the poor. In fact, she devoted her life to serving the poor. She is celebrated today for her extreme devotion to God by serving His people.
Pray the St. Elizabeth of Hungary novena to ask for her intercession!
About St. Elizabeth of Hungary
St. Elizabeth of Hungary has a quality most other saints don’t share. She was royalty! Not only was she the Daughter of the King, she was also literally the daughter of an earthly king!
St. Elizabeth was born in Hungary in 1207. Her father was the king of Hungary. As royalty, St. Elizabeth’s “call” to married life was determined early on. Her marriage to Ludwig IV of Thuringia was decided when she was only four years old.
As a royal, St. Elizabeth was able to receive an education. This was rare for females of the time, but her status allowed it.
At the age of six, tragedy struck. St. Elizabeth’s mother was murdered. Many children would have turned from God in anger through such tragic loss. St. Elizabeth instead found comfort for her loss in prayer.
She and Ludwig were married in 1221 and had a loving marriage. They had three children together.
St. Elizabeth’s royal status continued into marriage. Her husband was a Thuringian ruler. She longed for simplicity, however. She wanted to simply live a quiet life with her family and devote herself to serving the poor. Ludwig realized this desire and allowed her to continue her charitable work. She spent a lot of her time praying and ministering to the poor of her area. In fact, her royal status actually allowed her to help more people.
During her marriage, she heard about St. Francis of Assisi. She wanted to emulate this simplistic life. Yet her “simple” life was already affecting many. She would deliver bread to the poor each day. She also built a hospital. She even gave away royal clothing to about 1,000 poor people.
Six years after they were married, Ludwig died. St. Elizabeth was devastated, as she loved him very much. She decided to live as a nun would. She resolved not to remarry.
In Ludwig’s absence, she turned to her spiritual advisor for guidance. She promised to follow his every command. St. Elizabeth’s spiritual advisor was extreme. He would beat her as penance and removed her children from her. It is said that she even offered to cut off her own nose so that men would not want her.
With the money from her dowry, St. Elizabeth created a hospital and became a Third Order Franciscan. She continued to serve the poor tirelessly until her death at the age of 24 in 1231. She is the patroness of bakers, beggars, charities, brides, and those who have lost children.
St. Elizabeth of Hungary’s Feast Day: November 17
Why Pray the St. Elizabeth of Hungary Novena?
Chances are, you have something in common with St. Elizabeth of Hungary! She was a wife, mother, third order religious, and lover of the poor. As such, she is a great intercessor for all who lead a busy life.
As the patron saint of bakers, the St. Elizabeth of Hungary novena is a perfect choice for all those who love to cook or bake. She can encourage you how to use your unique talents to serve the Lord!
She is also the patron saint of beggars and charities. If you are passionate about advocating for charities and helping others, you will find great inspiration in St. Elizabeth’s example and intercession.
All those in healthcare may also find St. Elizabeth a great example of compassion care! Though she is not an official patron, she did found two hospitals and cared for the poor and sick throughout her life.
Finally, St. Elizabeth is also the patron saint of brides and those who have lost children. Perhaps you could pray this novena to intercede on behalf of a bride-to-be or to ask for comfort for someone who has recently suffered the death of a child.
You can pray the St. Elizabeth of Hungary Novena for any intention!
St. Elizabeth of Hungary Novena Prayers
St. Elizabeth of Hungary Novena - Day 1
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
St. Elizabeth, your heart was moved with compassion for all those who suffered. You even set up two hospitals to care for your beloved poor.
I know so many people who are sick or suffering. From the common cold to cancer, it seems like illness is all around me.
St. Elizabeth, please intercede on their behalf. Pray to God to ease their pain and bring them comfort. Help them to use their suffering to become closer to Christ.
Please also inspire in me a compassionate heart. Encourage me to help all those who are sick. Sometimes it feels like the world’s problems must all be solved by a single person, a single cure. Yet I know that even simply offering a kind word, a prepared meal, or a ride to the doctor can be the actions that help change the world. All it takes is one person.
God, I know that You work all things for our good, and that You have a plan that I cannot see. I ask for the healing of all of these people, through the intercession of St. Elizabeth of Hungary:
(State your intentions here)
But I will trust in Your will for them. If it is Your will that they do not get better, I beg You for their comfort. May their suffering bring them closer to You!
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
St. Elizabeth of Hungary Novena - Day 2
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
St. Elizabeth, you are often depicted with bread in your hands. You took such great care of the poor in your community!
Cooking can be such a mundane chore. Every day, I work hard to feed my family. And every time I make something, I have to make more food a few hours later!
St. Elizabeth, help me to view the food I eat and serve today as an example of God’s love. Guide me to make wise, healthy choices that uphold and express the beauty of the body God has given me. Inspire me to feel like a beautiful child of God no matter my feelings about my weight. As I work to provide food for my family, help me to be grateful for this opportunity to serve them.
Please also intercede for all those closest to your heart: the poor, who do not have enough to eat.
I also ask that you keep in mind my intentions:
(State your intentions here)
Thank you God for giving me and my family enough to eat. Bless the food we will share together today. Help me work towards ending world hunger so that all may experience that same blessing.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
St. Elizabeth of Hungary Novena - Day 3
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
St. Elizabeth, despite being married so young, you had a very happy marriage. Your husband died young, but he loved you deeply and allowed you to continue with your charitable works. In return, you loved him and brought Him closer to God. That is the goal of all marriages and vocations!
If I am married, please intercede on behalf of my own marriage. Pray for it to be a happy one, that lends itself to a holy example. If I am not married, please guide me in discerning my vocation. Please also bless my future spouse if that is my calling!
Please also be with all brides-to-be. Give them peace as they plan their weddings. Provide opportunities for them to reflect on their vocation in the midst of the chaos. Offer them opportunities to prepare for their marriage as well as their wedding day.
As you pray, would you also offer up your intercession for my intentions?
(State your intentions here)
God, I know that marriage is a sign of Your love for us. Please guide me in my vocation and help me to live it out in a way that reflects Your love.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
St. Elizabeth of Hungary Novena - Day 4
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
In order to become a saint, miracles must be attributed to a person after his or her death. But St. Elizabeth, you had two miracles occur during your lifetime!
The first was when you were accused of stealing from the castle. When examined, roses were found under your cloak instead. The second was when you let a leper lay in your bed. Your husband went to go get rid of him, and there lay Christ crucified instead!
These miracles show your extreme piety, St. Elizabeth. Can you help me to be so connected to God like you? Help me to come to know Him the way you do!
I know that our God is a God of miracles. I know that every day is a gift and that little miracles occur throughout my daily life. Please help me to be grateful for them!
If I could be so bold, I’d also like to ask for more miracles, for myself and those I love:
(State your intentions here)
God, allow my heart to be joined to Yours! Help me to recognize your everyday miracles. Thank You for everything You do for me!
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
St. Elizabeth of Hungary Novena - Day 5
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
St. Elizabeth, you saw God in the poor of your country.
You of course had a compassionate, generous nature. But more importantly, you saw your work as an extension of your faith.
Help me too to live out my faith in such a way!
Move my heart to see all those who suffer with compassion. Remove all doubt, judgment, and cynicism from my soul. Instead, allow me to see all as you saw them: children of God, reflections of our Creator.
Please also pray for all those who care for the sick or poor. Please especially watch over all those who work in hospitals and all charity workers. Inspire in me a desire to aid in whatever way I can.
Please also pray for my intentions:
(State your intentions here)
O Lord, You too were poor and suffering in Your life! And You remind us that every time we help someone who is poor and suffering, we also help You. Help me to see Your reflection in all Your people.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
St. Elizabeth of Hungary Novena - Day 6
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
St. Elizabeth, you are one of the few saints who was also a royal. However, instead of abusing your power, you used your station in society to help those less fortunate than you.
Sometimes, those who are in leadership - from work to religion to government - seem to use their power over others to better themselves, not help other people.
St. Elizabeth, wherever I am in power, (at work, in my family, or even in society), allow me to use my leadership to help others. Help me not to look down on other people. Give me the grace to count my blessings and use those blessings to help others and point them to Christ.
Please also intercede on behalf of all those in any sort of power, that they may be inspired to do good for the world and be directed by God’s Will and Word.
Please also keep in mind my intentions:
(State your intentions here)
God, I know there is no power on earth except what is given by You. And there is no earthly power greater than You! Help me to use any influence I have in the world to give glory to You.
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
St. Elizabeth of Hungary Novena - Day 7
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
Dear St. Elizabeth, you were certainly lived your faith well! You loved to show the people of your area love and dignity by giving them food and caring for their illnesses.
I know Someone else who lived like that too: Jesus!
Can you help me to be more generous and to use my life as an opportunity to point others to God, St. Elizabeth?
Move me to be generous with my finances and to give to those less fortunate if I am able. Inspire me to invite a friend to Mass with me. Instead of just writing a check, prompt me to offer more of myself, of my vulnerability, by volunteering at my parish or a local organization. Pray that I may have that same unfailingly generous spirit you possessed, St. Elizabeth!
Help me to live out the Beatitudes as beautifully as you did!
Please also pray for my intentions:
(State your intentions)
Jesus, You gave us a wonderful example of how to treat others, both in Yourself and St. Elizabeth of Hungary. Please help me to be that same kind of witness in my own life!
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
St. Elizabeth of Hungary Novena - Day 8
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
St. Elizabeth, you experienced the call to many different vocations and roles throughout your life. You were a royal. You were a wife and mother. You were a caregiver. You were even a member of a Third Order. Therefore, you had to say yes to God in so many different ways in your life.
Sometimes it’s hard for me to fully trust in God like you did, St. Elizabeth.
When things don’t go my way, I get afraid that God has abandoned me. It’s as if all the small miracles He’s worked in my life every day go away, and I’m just left with fear. How did you overcome that fear, St. Elizabeth?
Please teach me to trust in God as you did. When trials form in my life, give me the grace to rely on Him. Help me to banish fear!
Even more so, please help me to always say yes to whatever God may call me to. As you experienced in your own life, God’s will always brings us joy in the end. Even when it doesn’t seem like it will, His will always succeeds in our happiness! Remind me that He will never fail me. Inspire me to say yes to God willingly and joyfully, as you did.
Please also pray for my intentions:
(State your intentions here)
Jesus, I trust in You!
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
St. Elizabeth of Hungary Novena - Day 9
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.
St. Elizabeth, you achieved the highest goal of any person: sainthood!
That doesn’t mean you were perfect of course. But God was so pleased with your service here on earth that He desired for you to be honored in this way.
There are days that the road to sainthood for me seems pretty rocky, St. Elizabeth.
And on top of that, I’m supposed to be helping others become saints too! My spouse, children, friends, relatives, co-workers: I am supposed to help them on their own journey to heaven too.
Please help me! I know that I fall short of sainthood all the time in my life, but remind me of God’s mercy and forgiveness. Please give me patience and inspire me whenever I have the opportunity to help someone else’s faith! Allow me to not hesitate in fear, but to always reach out in love.
I also pray that you intercede for my own path to sainthood and my other intentions:
(State your intentions here)
St. Elizabeth of Hungary, pray for us!
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
Amen.