Saint Hedwig of Poland

My name is Hedwig. I was born on the 18th of February 1374, the youngest of three girls, Catherine, Mary and myself. Lots of people mistake me for Saint Hedwig of Silesia my patron saint. My mother, Elizabeth of Bosnia married my father, King Louis I of Hungary in 1353. When I was eight, my father died and I was crowned Queen in 1384 when I was just ten years old.

I was known for my piety and admiration for the Saints Mary, Martha,Bridget of Sweden and Saint Hedwig of Silesia.I was also well-educated which meant that I could read, write and speak five different languages, which was very unusual for a girl in those days!

In 1386 I married Jagiello the Duke of Lithuania and Ruthenia. Responsibilities such as politics were given to Wladyslaw(my mothers uncle),because I  was young, but I attended to the cultural and charitable activities. I sponsored artists and writers so I started to give most of my personal wealth including my royal insignia to support charities and found hospitals.

Just 13 years later after I got married,in 1399 17th July I died giving birth to my first and only child Elizabeth Bonifacia. we were buried together in Wawel cathedral and many miracles have happened at my tomb.

I was beatified on the 31st of May 1979 by Pope John Paul 2(now a saint)

and canonized on the 8th of June 1997 also by Pope John Paul 2. I was a queen from when I was ten to my death but Jagiello ruled for 35 more years after that.

By:Danielle