The Basics: March 5, 1224, in Hungary; died July 24, 1292, in Poland; canonized June 16, 1999, by John Paul II; feast day, July 24. Queen and woman religious.
The Story: Legend has it that when Kinga prepared to leave her native Hungary to be married to a Polish prince, her father offered gold and silver to take to her new home. The practical Kinga said the Poles needed salt more, and her father agreed to 
her request. But before she left, she secretly dropped her engagement ring into a Hungarian salt mine. After her arrival at her new home, Kinga ordered a well to be dug at the Wieliczka mine. Her ring and a pure deposit of salt were discovered.
Kinga and her husband, Boleslaw, went on to rule Poland as king and queen and to enjoy a happy marriage for forty years despite a mutual vow of chastity. Kinga devoted herself to visiting with and caring for the sick and poor. When Boleslaw died in 1279, Kinga retired to a Poor Clares monastery she had helped found, and did not speak again about her days as a ruler.
What We Can Learn from Kinga: Practicality can be a charism. While riches are impressive, Kinga knew instinctively what her new subjects needed: salt and loving care. Could you share a simple gift, such as time, with someone in need today?
To Learn More About Kinga: Check out the Chapel of Kinga inside Poland’s Wieliczka Salt Mine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or visit St. Kinga Association site, which includes info about the Poor Clares monastery built by Kinga and a monastery museum.
To Learn More About Other Women Saints and Blesseds: Come back next week, or consider buying my books, Blessed Are You: Finding Inspiration from Our Sisters in Faith or Sisterhood of Saints: Daily Guidance and Inspiration.
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