May 5
Saint Jutta (Judith) of Thuringia
Mother, Widow, Laywoman
(Around 1200 – 1260)
“Three things can lead us close to God. They are painful physical suffering, being in exile in a foreign land, and being poor by choice because of love for God.”
Saint Jutta of Thuringia
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or on the Book Cover Image above to buy it!
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Saint’s Life Story
Her Early Life
Jutta (or Judith) was born at Sangerhausen in Thuringia, which is now central Germany around 1200. Little is known of Jutta’s childhood except that she grew up in a noble family.
Married and a Mother
Jutta was married at the age of fifteen to a wealthy, young nobleman. As a wife and mother, she tried to emulate Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, and was very generous to the poor. Although quite wealthy, she lived and dressed simply. Hr piety, charity, and prudence in the management of her household became a shining model for wives and mothers. Jutta’s holiness served as an inspiring example to her family who followed in her footsteps.
Widow
While her husband was on a pilgrimage to Jerusalem, he died quite suddenly. So, Jutta became a widow and a single mother. After the death of her husband, Jutta devoted herself for a time to the care of the sick, especially lepers, and had visions. Once, in a vision, our Lord had said to her, ” Follow me ” ; and she strove not only to obey Him herself, but to lead her household to do the same. The newly widowed Jutta, after taking care to provide for her children, resolved to live in a more austere religious way of life she felt was utterly pleasing to God.
Became a Third Order of St Francis in Prussia
Like her model, Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, Jutta became a member of the Third Order of St. Francis – a Secular Franciscan. She disposed of the costly clothes, jewels, and furniture befitting one of her rank. Then, Jutta moved to Prussia where people would not know that she was from a wealthy family. There, she lived as a hermit or anchoress in a little hut. Jutta spent her time praying for the conversion of nonbelievers and for newly baptized Christians to be true to their faith. She also took care of weary travelers who passed by. Clothed in the habit of the Order, she went out and begged alms, not only for herself but also for other needy persons.
Death
Jutta died of fever on May 5, 1260 at Kulmsee, Prussia (now eastern Germany). The basics of her holiness included: simplicity, humility, love, kindness, and compassion. She is the patroness of Prussia and of widows.
Born : Around 1200 in Sangerhausen, Thuringia (now Germany)
Died: May 5, 1260 in Kulmsee, Prussia (now eastern Germany)
Beatified: Unknown
Canonized: Unknown
Feast Day: May 5
Patron Saint: Prussia; Widows
Source:
Reflection
Saint Jutta of Thuringia was born into a noble family in Germany in the 13th century. Though she lived with privilege and wealth, her life was marked by deep faith and compassion for the poor.
In Matthew 19:14, Jesus stated “it is easier for a camel to pass through the eye of needle than for one who is rich to enter the kingdom of God.” So, after her husband’s death, Saint Jutta gave away everything and even moved to another area so people would not know she used to be wealthy. She became a secular Franciscan and settled as a hermit near Kulmsee, Prussia (now Germany). She devoted her life to caring for the poor while also praying every day.
Saint Jutta’s life shows that holiness is not determined by one’s social status, but by the choices one makes with the gifts God has given. She used her resources to serve others. Her example reminds us that detachment from worldly comforts can open our hearts more fully to God and to the needs of others.
What “riches” can you give away to people you encounter today? While we may not all come from wealthy families, we can pray to God and ask how we can use our wealth (in both time and money) to help others in need.
Prayers
Saint Jutta of Thuringia,
You left behind comfort and privilege in order to seek God more deeply.
Help me to use the gifts and resources I have received with generosity and love.
Teach me to let go of anything that keeps me from following Jesus more faithfully.
Through your example and intercession, draw my heart closer to God and help me grow in prayer, humility, and charity.
Help me understand how I can imitate your example using my “riches” to help my neighbors near and far who may not be as well off as I – materially, physcially and spiritually.
Jesus, please open my eyes and heart to opportunities to shine Your light of hope and faith to those in need around me.
Saint Jutta of Thuringia, pray for us. Amen.
Saint Links
Catholic Fire – St. Judith of Prussia, Patroness of Widows
Catholic Online – St. Jutta
Franciscan Media – Blessed Jutta of Thuringia
Go To Mary – Saint Jutta of Kulmsee
Independent Catholic News – St Jutta Celebrated on May 5th
Rev Alban Butler’s Lives Of The Saints Complete Edition – St Jutta, Widow
Roman Catholic Saints – Saint Judith of Prussia
Sacred Heart Parish, Seward AL – Saint of the Day – Saint Judith of Prussia
Saint for a Minute – Saint Judith of Prussia