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Feast Day: January 22
Birth: October 20, 1870
Death: January 22, 1931
Blessed Ladislao Batthyánystrattmann, also known as Ladislaus Batthyány-Strattmann or László Batthyány-Strattmann, was born on 20 October 1870 in Dunakiliti, Hungary. He was born into an ancient noble Hungarian family and was the sixth of ten brothers. When he was six years old, his family moved to Austria. Sadly, Ladislao's mother passed away when he was twelve, which deeply impacted his life.
Ladislao had a strong inclination towards knowledge and education from an early age. He pursued various fields of study, including agriculture, chemistry, physics, philosophy, literature, music, and medicine. Eventually, he enrolled at the University of Vienna where he attained a medical degree in 1900. During his time at the university, Ladislao displayed great academic talent and dedication.
On 10 November 1898, Ladislao married Countess Maria Teresa Coreth, a devoutly religious woman. Their marriage was blessed with thirteen children, and together, as a family, they steadfastly attended Mass and recited the Rosary every day.
In 1902, Ladislao opened a small private hospital in Kittsee, Austria, with a capacity of 25 beds. Initially working as a general practitioner, he later specialized as a surgeon and an eye doctor once he had a sufficient staff. The outbreak of World War I dramatically increased the number of injured soldiers, and Ladislao had to expand the hospital to accommodate 120 beds. Despite the challenging circumstances, he tirelessly served those in need, dedicating himself to providing medical care and restoring the health of countless individuals.
In 1915, Ladislao inherited the castle of Körmend in Hungary, along with the family name Strattman and the title of Prince. He relocated his family to the castle in 1920, where one wing was transformed into a hospital specializing in eye diseases. Ladislao's exceptional skills and expertise in ophthalmology gained him international recognition.
Perhaps one of the most remarkable aspects of Ladislao's medical vocation was his unwavering commitment to the poor and marginalized. Regardless of one's ability to pay, he never turned away a patient. Ladislao would provide necessary funds to the destitute and welcomed all who sought his assistance. Patients were admitted into his hospital for as long as it was required, and medications were given freely. Ladislao did not demand a fee from anyone, except that they pray an Our Father for him. Furthermore, he would pray over each patient before performing any medical procedure, recognizing that his skills were a divine gift, and that he was merely an instrument of God's healing grace. He saw his family's fortune as a means to serve the less fortunate and alleviate their suffering.
Blessed Ladislao Batthyánystrattmann was highly regarded as a saint in his lifetime, not only by his family but also by his patients and fellow healers. His profound dedication to medicine and his compassion towards the poor exemplify his holiness and unwavering commitment to Christ's teachings.
Blessed Ladislao Batthyánystrattmann passed away on 22 January 1931 in Vienna, Austria, due to bladder cancer. He was buried in the family tomb in Güssing, Hungary. Recognizing his heroic virtues, Pope John Paul II declared him venerable on 11 July 1992. Later, on 23 March 2003, Pope John Paul II beatified him, acknowledging his exemplary life of faith, service, and devotion to the sick and impoverished.