Jadwiga de Pologne
v. 1374-1399 14th century Feast day: June 8
Political power redirected toward the poor, generosity that outran what was expected, a short life spent building things that would outlast her.
Who was Jadwiga de Pologne?
Crowned king of Poland at age ten in 1384 (queen in title only, since Polish law had no word for a reigning woman), she was married off two years later for reasons of state, to a foreign prince twice her age. She used the marriage to fund schools, hospitals, and the refoundation of a university, and reportedly gave away her jewelry to the poor. She died at twenty-five giving birth, having spent her short life turning a political arrangement into something closer to service.
In their own words
If I could, with these hands, wipe away every tear from the poor, I would count that a greater treasure than any crown.