Wednesday’s Woman: Blessed Elizabeth of the Trinity

The Basics: Born July 18, 1880, in France; died November 9, 1906, in France; beatified November 25, 1984, by John Paul II; feast day, November 8. Woman religious, mystic, writer.

The Story: As a child, Elizabeth was somewhat of a pill. She was willful and given to fits of anger. Indeed, it’s said that a priest from saints_elizabethofthetrinity_20141101her childhood pronounced, “This one will grow up to be a saint or a devil.” As time went on, especially after her First Communion, Elizabeth grew in love and self-control, and became aware of her vocation to become a Discalced Carmelite nun. Her writings focused on the profundity of the Holy Trinity–Father, Son, and Holy Spirit–and how all three persons dwell in each of us.

Blessed Elizabeth’s Wisdom:  “O my God, Trinity whom I adore; help me to forget myself entirely that I may be established in you as still and as peaceful as if my soul were already in eternity.

What We Can Learn: Consider emulating Elizabeth’s example and spending some time contemplating God in all three persons in the Trinity, each distinct, each omnipotent.

To Learn More About Elizabeth: The Dijon Carmel has a lovely site devoted to Elizabeth, including pilgrimage sites.

To Learn More About Other Women Saints and Blesseds: Come back next week, or consider buying my book, Sisterhood of Saints: Daily Guidance and Inspiration.

By Melanie

Melanie Rigney is the author of Radical Saints: 21 Women for the 21st Century and other Catholic books. She is a contributor to Living Faith and other Catholic blogs. She lives in Arlington, Virginia. Melanie also owns Editor for You, a publishing consultancy that since 2003 has helped hundreds of writers, publishers, and agents.

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