St. Hedwig was duchess of Silesia who cared for the poor and sick, founded a convent, and after her husband's death lived a life of prayer among the nuns.
Life
Hedwig was born in 1174 at Andechs in Bavaria, in present-day Germany. At a young age she married Henry, duke of Silesia, and they had several children.
With her husband she founded a Cistercian convent at Trzebnica and supported hospitals and works of relief, personally caring for the poor and the sick. She suffered the great sorrow of outliving her husband and several of her children; her son Henry was killed in battle against the Mongols in 1241. After her husband's death she lived a life of prayer and penance at the Trzebnica convent. She died in 1243 and was canonized in 1267.
Spirituality
Hedwig's spirituality is humility and mercy kept amid high rank. She used her authority and wealth to serve the poor, and in the face of repeated grief she entrusted herself to God's will. She chose a simple, disciplined life over splendor.
Reflection
The place entrusted to us at home or at work can also be a place of service. Like Hedwig, whom can I help today with what I have?