Elizabeth of Reute

Gute Beth Waldsee Kornhausmuseum

Elizabeth of Reute (1386 – 17 November 1420), also known as Good Beth or Elisabeth Achler, was a German Roman Catholic laywoman associated with the Franciscan Third Order. She is venerated in the Catholic Church and was beatified on 19 June 1766 by Pope Clement XIII. Elizabeth is known for her deep spirituality, mystical experiences, and living a life of extreme austerity and charity. Her life and devotion continue to inspire many within the Catholic community.

Early Life

Elizabeth was born in 1386 in Reute, near Waldsee in the region of Baden-Württemberg, Germany. Little is known about her early life, but she was drawn to a spiritual life from a young age. Inspired by the teachings of Francis of Assisi, she decided to dedicate her life to God and the service of the poor.

Spiritual Life and Works

At the age of 14, Elizabeth joined the Third Order of St. Francis, a community of laypeople seeking to live according to Franciscan principles without becoming nuns or monks. She became known for her piety, humility, and acts of charity. Elizabeth devoted herself to prayer, fasting, and caring for the sick and needy. Her life was marked by numerous mystical experiences, including visions and the stigmata, which attracted attention and admiration but also skepticism.

Elizabeth's spiritual advisor was the Franciscan friar Konrad Kügelin, who documented her life and mystical experiences. Despite her poor health and the extreme austerity of her lifestyle, Elizabeth was deeply committed to her spiritual practices and to serving those around her.

Veneration and Beatification

After her death on 17 November 1420, Elizabeth's grave became a pilgrimage site. Reports of miracles attributed to her intercession spread, leading to a growing devotion. The process of her beatification began in the 17th century but was not completed until 1766, when she was beatified by Pope Clement XIII.

Elizabeth of Reute is celebrated for her deep faith, her mystical experiences, and her unwavering commitment to living out the Franciscan ideals of poverty, humility, and charity. Her life is a testament to the power of spiritual devotion and the impact one individual can have on their community through acts of love and service.

Legacy

Elizabeth's legacy continues in the form of the Elisabethenverein, an association founded in her honor to continue her work of caring for the needy. Her life and spirituality have inspired countless individuals to pursue a deeper relationship with God and to serve others with compassion and humility.

Feast Day

Elizabeth of Reute's feast day is celebrated on 25 November in the Roman Catholic Church.