Student Reflection: Memorial of St. Elizabeth of Hungary

Good Morning Friars. My name is Rozlyn Plazas, from the class of 2024, and it is an honor to welcome you all to today’s school-wide mass. As we gather, the profound words of our reading resonate with the remarkable life of St. Elizabeth of Hungary, an inspiration who devoted herself to establishing hospices for the impoverished and ailing.

 

Born into royal privilege, St. Elizabeth felt a divine calling to use her status for the betterment of the less fortunate. Rather than turning a blind eye to the struggles around her, she actively sought ways to assist those in need, ultimately renouncing her royal ties to wholeheartedly dedicate herself to helping the impoverished. St. Elizabeth’s unwavering devotion to love and care for the less fortunate established her as a substantial symbol of Christian Charity. 

 

Today’s reading from the book of Wisdom has a striking quote: “For they indeed have gone astray perhaps, though they seek God and wish to find Him.” This line illustrates St. Elizabeth’s unwavering faith. Surrounded by her environment, she had the opportunity to fall back on her status, yet she devoted herself to the service of others. This notion intersects with a pivotal moment in my own life. At the beginning of high school, my great grandmother was diagnosed with dementia, a painful journey witnessing her decline alongside the effects of old age. In moments of deterring faith, especially when caring for her during her illness, I discovered strength within, sensing the love and presence of God. Despite grappling with doubts about the morality of her suffering, my great grandmother’s commitment to her faith became my guiding light. Every Sunday, I would spend precious moments with her, providing the care she needed. This connection prompted me to care for her until her passing. I cherished the shared memories and felt grateful for the time I could support her. Today I am grateful to God for allowing me to imitate St. Elizabeth in being a source of comfort for my great grandmother until the end of her life. 

 

As we gather here today, I encourage each one of you to reflect upon the enduring legacy of St. Elizabeth. In the face of personal or others’ adversities, we can draw strength from our faith, trusting that with God’s love, we can overcome. We can support loved ones confronting challenges, embodying St. Elizabeth’s message of genuine Christian charity. Let her be an example to inspire us to reach out and assist others, a fundamental tenet of Christianity. May we continue to act in accordance with extending our hands to support those in need, whether they be a friend, a loved one, or even the person seated next to you today. I encourage you to emulate St. Elizabeth, becoming genuine role models of Christian charity within our community. 

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