Saint Constantly

Biography

Saint Elizabeth of the Trinity, also known as Elizabeth Catez or Élisabeth, was born on Sunday, July 18, 1880, in a military camp in the diocese of Bourges, France. She was the daughter of Captain Joseph Catez and Marie Catez. Sadly, her father passed away when she was only seven years old, leaving her mother to raise Elizabeth and her sister Marguerite. From an early age, Elizabeth displayed notable traits. She was described as a lively and popular girl but also extremely stubborn, prone to fits of rage. Despite these characteristics, she had a deep reverence for God and showed an early attraction to a life of prayer and reflection. Elizabeth was also a gifted pianist and shared her talent through music. Alongside her musical abilities, Elizabeth engaged in acts of charity and service. She visited the sick and dedicated herself to teaching catechism to children, sharing the faith she held so dear. Elizabeth's desire to embrace a religious life conflicted with her mother's wishes. Nevertheless, she followed her own calling and entered the Discalced Carmelite monastery in Dijon, France, on August 2, 1901. She faced challenges during her spiritual journey, experiencing periods of profound darkness. Her spiritual director even expressed doubts about her vocation. Despite these struggles, Elizabeth persevered and completed her novitiate. She took her final vows on January 11, 1903, becoming a fully dedicated member of the Discalced Carmelites. Elizabeth's spiritual growth continued, and she became a spiritual director herself, guiding many on their own paths to holiness. Throughout her life, Saint Elizabeth of the Trinity left a lasting legacy through her letters and retreat guides. Her writings demonstrated her deep contemplative spirituality, offering valuable insights and guidance to those seeking a closer union with God. Elizabeth's final days were marked by her battles against the effects of Addison's disease, a painful and exhausting hormone disorder. On November 9, 1906, she passed away in Dijon, Côte-d'Or, France, at the age of 26. Even in her suffering, she maintained a remarkable spirit of faith and hope. Her dying words, "I am going to Light, to Love, to Life!" capture her profound trust in God's infinite love and mercy. It was not until July 12, 1982, that Pope John Paul II recognized Elizabeth's heroic virtues, venerated her, and declared her as "Blessed Elizabeth of the Trinity." Her beatification took place on November 25, 1984, by Pope John Paul II. The beatification miracle involved the healing of a priest suffering from tuberculosis through her intercession. Finally, on October 16, 2016, Pope Francis canonized Elizabeth, proclaiming her as a saint of the Catholic Church. The canonization ceremony took place at Saint Peter's Square in Vatican City, Rome, Italy. The canonization miracle involved the healing of a woman suffering from Sjøgren's syndrome, a condition that affected her ability to eat solid foods and resulted in neurogenic bladder and motor impairment. This miraculous healing occurred during the woman's pilgrimage to the Discalced Carmelite monastery in Dijon, where Saint Elizabeth had lived for several years. Saint Elizabeth of the Trinity is recognized as the patron saint against bodily ills, the death of parents, illness, sickness, and for the intercession for sick people. Her life and spiritual teachings continue to inspire and guide countless individuals in their own journeys of faith.