St Elizabeth of the Trinity

     Saint Elizabeth of the Trinity had a difficult childhood with a strong temper. She was vivacious and gifted with the blessing of playing the piano. Her temper calmed down after she made her first Holy Communion in 1891. From that point on, even as a child, she devoted herself to prayer and longed to give her life to God. She entered the "Discalced Carmelites". The word "Discalced" means a strict order who go barefoot or wear only sandals on their feet. This practice symbolizes a life of poverty, simplicity and a separation from the world, often, as a form of penance and devotion that was first introduced by Saint Teresa of Avila and St John of the Cross. Going without shoes or wearing sandals, is a sign of humility in poverty and it connects to the practice of removing shoes to stand on Holy ground. As mentioned in biblical stories. Other Saints such as Saint Francis of Assisi and St Clair of Assisi also did this practice. 

     Pope St John Paul II celebrated her Beatification in Paris on November 25th, 1984. Pope Francis approved her Canonization on October 16th, 2016, at St Peters Square in Rome. 

     St Elizabeth of the Trinity, was a Mystic and Spiritual writer. She was quite well known for these writings and expressions of Love that she wrote about. In her deep love for God, she gained a profound understanding of the Trinity which she cultivated a very deep devotion to. Her mantra was the belief that you can find God anywhere, even in daily tasks and chores. At the end of her life she began to call herself "Laudem Gloriae" which means "Praise of Glory". Her spirituality is remarkable in the similarity to that of Saint Therese of  Lisieux, who was also a Discalced Carmelite Sister. The two shared great love for Contemplation and the Salvation of Souls.

     Elizabeth died at the young age of 26 years old, of Addison's disease, which had no cure. Her death was painful, but she accepted her suffering as a "Gift from God".

     Her last words were, "I am going to Light, to Love, to Life".

     Oh, sweet Saint Elizabeth of the Trinity, pray for us!