Sunday, May 17, 2009

Introduction to Bl Elisabeth of the Trinity


Elisabeth Catez was born on July 18, 1880, in the military barracks at Camp D’Avor, Bourges, France, to Captain Joseph Catez and Madame Marie Rolland. From an early age she was passionate and of strong temperament. In 1883 her sister Marguerite (“Guite”) was born. Her father passed away in 1887, leaving the two young girls orphaned. Madame Catez then took great care of her daughters. 

On April 19, 1891, Elisabeth made her first Communion at St Michael’s Parish Church in Dijon, exclaiming afterwards: “I am not hungry, Jesus has fed me…” Elisabeth began taking music lessons at the Conservatory of Dijon at age 8, and, by the time she was 13, she had won the first prize for piano. She also enjoyed going on vacation with family and friends to the country, the ocean, and loved music and dances. Still, the voice of her Beloved kept calling her to Carmel. She asked her mother permission to enter but Madame Catez refused, telling Elisabeth she must wait until age 21. She offered this sacrifice to God until the day came when she could realize the desires of her heart...

 

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