St Louis of Thuringia

Louis of Thuringia was a prince from Germany.  He loved God and loved to serve Him.  When he was 21, he was married to Elizabeth of Hungary, who  became a saint.  She was only 14.  Their parents had arranged for them to be married which was common in those days.
Louis and Elizabeth’s love for Jesus helped them to grow in love with each other.  They were blessed with 3 children, the youngest of whom was Blessed Gertrude.
Elizabeth loved to serve the poor and Louis loved to help his wife with this calling.  Once Elizabeth brought a man with leprosy into their home to care for him.  At first, Louis was very angry but, the sick man then appeared as Christ, himself, and Louis’ heart changed.  The experienced deeply moved him and he built a hospital for lepers.
Louis was on his way to the Holy Land to fight in the Crusades when he became sick with malaria.  He was not able to return home but died peacefully in Italy in 1227.  He was 27 years old.