László Batthyány-Strattmann facts for kids
Quick facts for kids BlessedLászló Batthyány-Strattmann |
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| Physician | |
| Born | 28 October 1870 Dunakiliti, Austria-Hungary |
| Died | 22 January 1931 (aged 60) Vienna, Austria |
| Venerated in | Catholic Church |
| Beatified | 23 March 2003, Vatican by Pope John Paul II |
| Feast | 22 January |
László Batthyány-Strattmann (born October 28, 1870 – died January 22, 1931) was a Hungarian nobleman and a kind doctor. People knew him as the "doctor of the poor" because he helped many people without asking for money. He was a very religious Catholic. In 2003, the Catholic Church recognized him as a "Blessed" person.
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László's Early Life
László Batthyány-Strattmann was born on October 28, 1870. He came from a very old noble family in Hungary. He was one of ten brothers. When he was young, his family moved to Austria. László's mother passed away when he was only twelve years old.
At first, László studied many different subjects. He learned about farming, chemistry, and even music. He was preparing to manage his family's large properties.
Becoming a Doctor
In 1896, László decided to study medicine. He worked hard and became a doctor in 1900. He first trained as a general doctor. Later, he chose to specialize in surgery and then in eye care (ophthalmology).
During this time, his religious faith became very important to him. He met Countess Maria Theresia Coreth, who was also a very religious Catholic. They got married in Vienna in 1898. László and Maria had thirteen children together.
Helping Patients in Kittsee
In 1902, Dr. Batthyány-Strattmann opened his own hospital. It was in Kittsee, Austria, and had twenty-five beds. He worked there as a general doctor and later as a surgeon and eye specialist.
When the First World War started, his hospital became even more important. It was made bigger to help wounded soldiers.
The Doctor of the Poor
In 1915, László and his family moved to a castle in Körmend, Hungary. He had inherited the castle and also a special title: "Prince." From then on, he was known as Prince Batthyány-Strattmann.
At the Körmend castle, he continued his work as a doctor. He was famous for treating poor patients without charging them any money. This is how he earned the nickname "doctor of the poor." He even turned a part of the castle into a hospital just for eye patients.
László's Passing
When he was 60 years old, doctors found out that László had cancer. He went to a hospital in Vienna, Austria. After being sick for fourteen months, he passed away in January 1931.
Becoming a Blessed Saint
The process to make László a saint began in 1944. It was a joint effort by church leaders in Austria and Hungary. For a while, the process was forgotten.
However, in 1982, it was started again. On July 11, 1992, László Batthyány-Strattmann was declared "Venerable." This is an important step before someone can be beatified.
He was officially beatified on March 23, 2003, by Pope John Paul II. Five years later, on March 23, 2008, a special prayer group was formed. This group prays for László to become a full saint, known as a "canonized" saint.
