St. Elizabeth of the Trinity (1880-1906) was born Elizabeth Catez in Avor, France, where her father was stationed with the military. She was the eldest of two girls. Her father died in 1887 and the widow and her daughters moved to Dijon. Their apartment was close to the city's Carmelite monastery. Elizabeth was a stubborn child with a hot temper, but she was also a good student and an accomplished pianist.
Fascinated by the nuns at the nearby convent and inspired by Thérèse of Lisieux (also a Carmelite), Elizabeth began her religious journey. At just 14 years old she made a personal vow of virginity and set her mind on becoming a Carmelite. Elizabeth’s mother opposed her desire to enter the convent and asked that she wait until she was 21. The saint worked with troubled youth and children, catechizing them while she waited.
Finally, Elizabeth was able to enter the Carmel in Dijon in 1901. She loved being a part of the community. She found particular peace and connection with the Trinity in contemplative prayer. Much of what she wrote has been published, including many of her letters and her prayer, “O My God, Trinity Whom I Adore.” Elizabeth would be with the Carmelites for only five years before she succumbed to Addison’s disease after much suffering. Before her death she said she was sure it would increase her joy in heaven if her friends asked for her help. She was canonized in 2016 by Pope Francis. Her fierce belief in the Trinity within us, reachable through contemplative prayer, and her deep wish that we embrace God’s love by letting ourselves be loved are her powerful legacy. St. Elizabeth of the Trinity, pray for us!