Today, November 8, is the memorial of Saint Elizabeth of the Trinity.
Carmelite nun.
Elizabeth was born in 1880 to Captain Joseph Catez and Marie Catez. Joseph died when the girl was seven, leaving her mother to raise Elizabeth and her sister Marguerite. Elizabeth was a bubbly and popular girl, extremely stubborn with a fiery temper. She had a reverence for God, and an early attraction to a life of prayer and reflection. She was also a gifted pianist and frequently visited the sick and taught catechism to children.
When Elizabeth visited the Discalced Carmelite monastery in Dijon, France, the prioress told her to read the autobiography of St. Therese of the Child Jesus (who was not yet beatified then). After reading it, Elizabeth was convinced she should become a Carmelite.
Much against her mother‘s wishes, she entered the Carmel of Dijon in 1901. She may have been known for her spiritual growth, but Elizabeth fought constant dark nights of the soul. Her spiritual director expressed doubts over Elizabeth’s vocation. However, her faith in God allowed her to rise above the spiritual darkness.
She took her final vows in 1903. She became a spiritual director for many, and left a legacy of letters and retreat guides. She is best known for her prayer “O My God, Trinity Whom I Adore”. She advocated faith in “the all-loving God dwelling in our souls.”
She died in 1906 at age 26, caused by Addison’s disease. Her dying words: “I am going to Light, to Love, to Life!”
Pope St. John Paul II beatified her in 1984. Pope Francis canonized her in 2016.