Saint Hedwig, Queen of Poland

Index of Catholic Saints The saint for February 28 Saint Hedwig, Queen of Poland
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Born 1371 Died 1399, During Childbirth Beatified May 31, 1979 Canonized June 8, 1997 Born a princess, the youngest daughter of King Louis I of Hungary. By virtue she was great niece of the Polish King, and he left no heir closer in succession, the child became Queen of Poland upon his death in 1832, at the age of 11. She fell victim to political necessity. She had been engaged to William, Duke of Austria, and felt herself to be in love with him, but had to bread off this engagement to marry Jagiello, the Prince of Lithuania. She was 13 years old. Deeply devout, she was horribly pained by the fact that Jagiello was not a christian, and she was personally miserable in her marriage. She chose to offer her misery and disaffection to Christ, and channeled her energies into working for the poor and the sick. Her holy demeanor and selflessness eventually won over her husband, who converted to christianity. Hedwig died in childbirth at the age of 28, leaving behind a legacy of good works for the poor, including the revision of polish laws in favor of their welfare.
Patroness of: Difficult Marriages, Queens

Index of Catholic Saints