St Kinga

Princess. St Kunigunde or Kinga, was born in 1226 in Hungary. Her family was distinguished for its political power as well as its holy women. Her aunts included St Elizabeth of Hungary, St Hedwig and St Agnes of Prague. Her sisters included St Margaret and Blessed Yolande.

At the age of 15, she became engaged to the man who was to become the next King of Poland, Boleslaw V. Soon after their wedding, they both took vows of chastity before the bishop and lived out their promises during their 40 years of married life. Queen Kunigunde spent her time caring for her young sister and visiting the poor and sick in hospitals.

When her husband died in 1279, she was expected to take over the reins of government, but she gave up her royal life and joined the Poor Clares, living in a convent she and her husband had established. She died 13 years later surrounded by her community. Many miracles are said to have occurred at her tomb.

In 1715, Pope Clement XI chose her as the special patron of Poland and Lithuania.

St Kunigunde was canonized by Pope John Paul II in June 1999. More than half a million people attended the ceremony in a field outside the small town of Stary Sacz.