Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, PATRON of hospitals, nursing homes, SFO
Each year the Franciscan Family celebrates the memory of St. Elizabeth of Hungary on November 17. The life of Elizabeth lies covered in legend. It is the story of a woman born into nobility who, in imitation of the poor Christ, emptied herself of all things in order live in poverty. A contemporary of Francis and Clare, Elizabeth was born in 1207 and died a mere 23 years later. Betrothed in marriage at the age of four, Elizabeth left her family and homeland to begin life in Germany. At the age of 14, Elizabeth and Louis were married and soon had children. Much of what we know of Elizabeth comes to us from the Process of Canonization. In so many ways Elizabeth and Clare lived parallel lives. Both were known for their beauty, their generosity, and their compassion. While Clare lived out her life at San Damiano, Elizabeth spent her life in active contemplation serving the needs of the people around her, especially the poor and the sick. After the premature death of her husband, Elizabeth faced expulsion from her home and abuse from her in-laws. It was through Elizabeth’s invitation that the Friars Minor first came into Germany. Her legend recounts how Francis sent her his own cloak as a sign of his gratitude. A widow at 23, Elizabeth professed her vows as a Sister of Penance, a Franciscan Tertiary. She continued her ministry to the sick, to the poor. Quite suddenly she fell, and soon died. (For more information on the life St. Elizabeth see Poverty My Riches: A Study of St Elizabeth of Hungary 1207-1231 by Elizabeth Ruth Obbard, 1999)
Contemporary Issue: Health Care
The health care system was radically different in the time of Saint Elizabeth. Our system of organized health care and hospital/medical professional licensing was non-existent. At that time, the family of the patient was responsible for providing the patient’s food and other day-to-day needs. In our time, we are facing the mass marketing of health care, with hospitals, clinics and other medical centers being bought and managed by corporations. In the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops’ document Faithful Citizenship: Civic Responsibility for a New Millennium, the bishops remind us that health care is not only for the privileged classes but also needs to be seen as a basic human right for all people. They write:Affordable and accessible health is an essential safeguard of human life and a fundamental human right. Any plan to reform the nations’ health care system must be rooted in values that respect human dignity, protect human life, and meet the unique needs of the poor. We support healthcare that is affordable and accessible to all.
REFLECTION
Elizabeth of Hungary was a woman of deep prayer and contemplation. Her relationship with God did not call her to distance herself from the world. As she became closer to God and more aware of the presence of God in her life, she knew that her faith called her to action. Not afraid to challenge the system of her time, she paid the price for her love of God and the poor. Nothing could stop her from living out her call to be a follower of Christ, even if following Christ meant to be homeless and
rejected by her family and peers. Her Franciscan spirit became more alive as she looked at the world around her and embraced her call to the service of the sick and the poor. As we honor her memory, are we willing to risk something in our life in order to know God all the more? Can we look around us and come to see how God calls us to a life of prayer, of relationship, and how that relationship is deepened and made concrete through service to the vulnerable and sick among us?
ACTION
At the beginning of Scripture, we learn how God creates the world and then pronounces all things good. When God creates humankind, Godpronounces us very good. Before we can help others, we need to learn about helping ourselves and honoring the goodness that is within us. Those of you used to commercial air travel, remember the instructions of the flight attendant before take off: In case of an emergency when oxygen will be needed, place the mask on yourself and then see if the persons near you need assistance. Too often, we forget that simple advice. So I ask you before considering action with others: when was your last medical check-up? If you cannot remember, then it is time to call your primary care physician and schedule your exam. Are you following the advice of your doctor? Once we start to take care of ourselves then we can move to look to see what needs to be done for others. If your fraternity is looking for a service project for Advent orthe winter months, see if there is a clinic for the homeless in your area. For the past several years, the Franciscans at Holy Family Friary in Pittsburgh have collected medical supplies (aspirin, band aids, antibiotic ointments, etc) and personal hygiene items for a local medical group that goes out nightly to serve the needs of the homeless Advocate on behalf of children by writing to your legislators in Washington, DC supporting current bills that call for health insurance for all children, including immigrants and the undocumented. (Kids Come First Act of 2005, S 114/HR 1668). Learn about health care needs around the world through Doctors Without Borders or Physicians for Human Rights
Prayer
Good and compassionate God, you called Elizabeth of Hungary from a life of luxury and seclusion, into a life of privileged service among the sick and the poor. May we who honor her memory recognize the presence of your Son in the world around us, especially in the sick and poor. Help us to have open hearts and minds and a determined spirit so that the work of the gospels may be made real through us. Elizabeth, in imitation of your Son, emptied herself, only to discover the fullness of your Sprit dwelling within her. May our emptiness be filled with your Spirit and our service be one of generous giving. We ask this in the holy name of Jesus our Christ. Amen.