Saint Who?
Saints Who Were Scientists
Blessed Ladislaus Batthyány-Strattmann
Married layman († 1931) Feast: January 22
“When I grow up, I will be a doctor and give free treatment to the sick and the poor.” Ladislaus Batthyány-Strattman was born in Hungary in 1870. He began to study medicine when he was twenty-six, becoming a surgeon and general practitioner before specializing in ophthalmology. A wealthy noble, he put his fortune and abilities to work to serve the poor.
He became internationally known in his field, being elected a member of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences and refusing a professorship, preferring to care for patients directly. He alternated his time between the two hospitals that he had established—one in the family castle. Many patients were treated gratis, with Ladislaus asking only an Our Father in return. He always prayed before surgeries and encouraged his patients to seek healing of body and soul from God.
With his wife, the devout Countess Maria Teresa Coreth—who often assisted him at surgery—Ladislaus had thirteen children. He personally taught them catechism and trained them in virtue. The family attended daily Mass together. Ladislaus died at sixty from bladder cancer, accepting the terrible pain with good cheer. It is said that the day before his death he told his family: “Take me to the balcony so that I can shout to the whole world that God is good!”
Heavenly Father, help us to take to heart the words of Blessed Ladislaus: “If you want to be happy,
make others happy.”
