St. Kinga of Poland – Royal Saint and Poor Clare Nun

ST. KINGA

St. Kinga was a Hungarian princess and Polish queen who became a Poor Clare nun, known for her charity, humility, and dedication to the poor and religious life.

St. Kinga, also known as Cunegunda, was born on March 5, 1224, into the royal family of Hungary, the daughter of King Béla IV and Maria Laskarina. She was raised in a deeply religious household alongside other notable saints such as her sister St. Margaret of Hungary and her aunt St. Elizabeth of Hungary. At a young age, Kinga was betrothed to Bolesław V, the Duke of Kraków and Sandomierz in Poland.

Kinga married Bolesław but chose to live in a chaste and holy union, dedicating her life and marriage to God. Despite her position as Duchess and later Queen, she lived a life of simplicity and generosity. She was widely known for her acts of charity and aid to the poor and sick. Kinga was instrumental in supporting religious institutions and promoting Christian values throughout the Polish territories. Her spiritual depth and humble lifestyle made her beloved by the people.

According to legend, she brought the salt mining industry to Poland. After asking her father for a dowry in the form of salt, she is said to have thrown her engagement ring into a salt mine in Hungary, which was later miraculously found in a salt deposit in Wieliczka, Poland. The mine remains a historical site and a symbol of her legacy.

After the death of her husband in 1279, Kinga renounced her royal privileges and entered the Poor Clare monastery in Stary Sącz, a convent she had founded. She embraced the monastic life with sincerity and zeal, taking vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. There she lived until her death on July 24, 1292, at the age of 68.

Kinga was venerated as a saint in Poland for centuries before her official canonization by Pope John Paul II on June 16, 1999, during his pilgrimage to Poland. She remains a powerful model of royalty turned holiness, who lived not for power or comfort but in pursuit of God and service to others.

Feast Day

24-7-

Birth Date

5-3-1224

Died Date

24-7-1292

Canonised Date

16-6-1999

Poland

St. Kinga, you renounced earthly riches for the treasure of heaven. Teach us to seek holiness above all things and to serve others in humility. Pray for us, that we may live with generous hearts and pure devotion. Amen.
ST. KINGA

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ST. KINGA

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Anudina Visudhar (Malayalam) – Life of Saints for Everyday
by Msgr. Thomas Moothedan, M.A., D.D.
Saint Companions for Each Day
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