I have found heaven on earth, since heaven is God, and God is in my soul. Believe that He loves you. He wants to help you Himself in the struggles which you must undergo. Believe in His Love, His exceeding Love.
Elizabeth Catez, known as Saint Elizabeth of the Trinity (1880–1906), was a French Discalced Carmelite nun renowned for her deep spiritual writings and contemplative life. Born on July 18, 1880, at the military camp of Avor near Bourges, France, she was the first child of Captain Joseph Catez and Marie Rolland. Following the sudden death of her father in 1887, the family relocated to Dijon, where Elizabeth exhibited a strong-willed and vivacious temperament during her early years. Despite her fiery nature, she developed a profound sense of God's presence, which guided her journey toward a life of deep spirituality.
A talented pianist, Elizabeth studied at the Conservatory of Dijon and was well-known for her musical abilities. She enjoyed an active social life, participating in parties and nurturing friendships, all while maintaining a love for contemporary fashion. However, her spiritual calling grew stronger, leading her to discern a vocation with the Discalced Carmelite Nuns in Dijon. Overcoming her mother's initial objections, Elizabeth entered the Carmel on August 2, 1901, at the age of 21, where she embraced a life of prayer and contemplation. Her writings from this period reflect a deepening union with God, emphasizing the indwelling of the Holy Trinity within the soul.
Elizabeth's time in the convent was brief; she was diagnosed with Addison's disease, a condition with no effective treatment at the time. She endured intense physical suffering with remarkable serenity, viewing her pain as a means to unite more closely with Christ. Elizabeth passed away on November 9, 1906, at the age of 26. Her spiritual legacy, particularly her reflections on the indwelling presence of God, has had a lasting impact on Christian mysticism.