SAINT ELIZABETH OF TRINITY

Saint Elizabeth of the Trinity
Saint Elizabeth of the Trinity

By Edward Matulanya 

Here are Feast day, canonization, early life, spiritual contribution, Prayer and teachings of Saint Elizabeth.

Feast day and Canonization of Saint Elizabeth

Saint Elizabeth of the Trinity (1880–1906) feast Day is on November 8. Her religious Order is Discalced Carmelite. She Canonized on October 16, 2016, by Pope Francis.

Early Life of Saint Elizabeth

Saint Elizabeth of the Trinity, born Élisabeth Catez on July 18, 1880, in Bourges, France, grew up in a devout military family (Martin, 2016). Known for her intense temperament and strong musical talent, she developed great discipline through spiritual formation and prayer. Over time, she recognized her vocation to the contemplative life and felt drawn deeply to union with God.

Entrance of Saint Elizabeth into Carmel

At age 21, she entered the Carmelite monastery in Dijon and took the religious name Sister Elizabeth of the Trinity (Borrego, 2021). Her daily life was characterized by silence, contemplation, and charity toward others. Her spiritual director and fellow sisters testified to her profound peace and joy, even amid personal struggle.

Spiritual contribution of Saint Elizabeth

Elizabeth’s central conviction was that God dwells in the soul of every baptized person. Her spirituality focused especially on the indwelling of the Holy Trinity, which she viewed as the foundation of Christian prayer and identity (Gillet, 2017).

Her message emphasizes that holiness is found not in extraordinary acts but in dwelling with God in daily life.

Writing of Saint Elizabeth

> “I have found heaven on earth, since heaven is God, and God is in my soul” (Elizabeth of the Trinity, as cited in Steggink, 1991, p. 203).

Prayer of Saint Elizabeth

“O My God, Trinity Whom I Adore”. 

Remains one of her most influential works, frequently used in spiritual direction and contemplative retreats.

Key Themes of Saint Elizabeth Teaching

Her teaching centred on Interior silence as the place of encountering God, Total surrender to God’s will, Love as the highest Christian calling, and the soul as a living temple of the Trinity.

Her writings mirror in tone those of St. Thérèse of Lisieux, yet emphasize mystical interiority more explicitly.

Illness and Death of Saint Elizabeth

In 1906, Elizabeth died at age 26 from Addison’s Disease, a chronic adrenal disorder that caused great suffering (Martin, 2016). Despite this, she radiated peace and hope.

Her final recorded words were;

> “I am going to Light, to Love, to Life.” (Elizabeth of the Trinity, as cited in Borrego, 2021, p. 318).

Veneration and Legacy of Saint Elizabeth

Elizabeth’s writings continue to shape Christian spirituality, particularly in Carmelite and contemplative traditions.

She is considered a patron saint for; Those seeking inner peace, Those desiring a deeper prayer life and Musicians.

Her message emphasizes that holiness is found not in extraordinary acts but in dwelling with God in daily life.

References 

Borrego, S. (2021). Elizabeth of the Trinity: The mystic who welcomed the Trinity into her heart. ICS Publications.

Gillet, B. (2017). The spiritual doctrine of Elizabeth of the Trinity. Carmelite Studies Press.

Martin, J. (2016). Saints and spirituality in the modern Church. Ignatius Press.

Steggink, O. (1991). Saint Elizabeth of the Trinity: Her life and writings. Doubleday.

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