The Basics: Born July 18, 1880, in France; died November 9, 1906, in France; canonized October 16, 2016, by Francis; feast day, November 8; woman religious and writer.
The Story: It was a short life, but one from which we can learn much about self-examination… and faith. The family moved often in Elizabeth’s early years, until her father’s death when she was seven. She, her younger sister, and mother then settled in Dijon, not far from the Carmelite convent Elizabeth would enter shortly after her eighteenth birthday. Elizabeth throughout her life was given to stubborn and anger and continually worked at self-control. She was aware of her physical and spiritual flaws–describing 
herself as having thick eyebrows and large feet in a childhood self-portrait–and downplayed her strengths, including her superlative skills as a pianist.
It was only about a year after she entered the convent that she read The Story of a Soul by a sister Carmelite, Therese of Lisieux, who had died in 1897. Elizabeth found comfort and formation in Therese’s words, in scripture study, and in contemplation of the Holy Trinity. Her correspondence and personal retreat writings show an astuteness and faith beyond her years. Elizabeth died of Addison’s disease when she was just twenty-six.
Elizabeth’s Wisdom: “It seems to me that I have found my heaven on earth, since heaven is God and God is in my soul.”
What We Can Learn from Elizabeth: Sometimes, anger and other flaws seem impossible to overcome. Elizabeth’s daily work at adjusting her behavior shows us change is a process for everyone… and the process is aided greatly when we allow the Lord to help.
To Learn More About Elizabeth: The Order of Carmelites’ site has a lovely biography about this saint.
To Learn More About Other Women Saints and Blesseds: Come back next week, or consider buying my books, Blessed Are You: Finding Inspiration from Our Sisters in Faith or Sisterhood of Saints: Daily Guidance and Inspiration.
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