Always Believe in Love: Selected Writings of Elizabeth of the Trinity

by Marian T. Murphy, Elizabeth of the Trinity

Elizabeth of the Trinity, a relatively unknown Carmelite mystic, acclaimed by John Paul II as a “brilliant witness of love and joy” is “a Carmelite prophet of the presence of God” whose spiritual insights will appeal to a wide audience. This young woman passionately lived the “everyday mysticism” associated with the French School of Spirituality which so influenced the Second Vatican Council’s universal call to holiness. Elizabeth offers a compelling model of holiness to all who long to enter into the mystery of God’s loving gift of self within each one of us as indwelling Trinity.

This unique collection introduces Elizabeth’s life and spirituality through her writings, drawing us into her profound “I have found my Heaven on earth, since Heaven is God and God is in my soul.”

“It is easy to see how Elizabeth’s message is addressed to all Christians. She never for one moment entertained the idea that her calling as a Carmelite conferred some sort of spiritual superiority on her. For Christian spiritual life is founded upon faith, baptism and becoming ever more like Jesus Christ; so that whatever the Christian may be, whatever his or her moral, psychological or social condition, he or she is always that “new humanity” in which Christ will come again to renew all his mystery.”

Albert Florent Augustin Cardinal Decourtray

“Elizabeth is increasingly recognized as one of the greatest mystics and spiritual guides of the twentieth century. Sr. Marian has sensitively selected extracts from her writings in this excellent introduction to her spirituality.”

Jennifer Moorcroft
Author of He is My Heaven

Genres: Catholic, Religion

168 pages, Paperback

First published March 10, 2009

About the author

Marian T. Murphy O.C.D

Reviews

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Elizabeth Catez was born on July 18, 1880 in an army camp in Avour near Bourges, central France. She was the oldest of two daughters. Her desire to enter the Carmel of Dijon had to wait due to her mother's reluctance to see her enter the convent. She lived her vocation as a Lay Carmelite, living a life of recollection and peace despite having to wait until she was 21. She entered the Order in 1901, and received the name Elizabeth Marie of the Trinity. Elizabeth referred to God Her Heaven, and her desire was to plumb the depths of her relationship with the Trinity through recollected prayer. Diagnosed with Addison's Disease in 1903, she accepted her suffering as an invitation from Christ to share the crucible of His Passion which she did with Grace and Peace. She wrote numerous letters of encouragement to her family and friends, wrote poetry and also wrote a treatise called the Last Retreat, the Praise of Joy. She was canonized in 2016 by Pope Francis. Elizabeth's message to the world is to in the midst of the busyness of the world, open ourselves to deep intimacy and union with the triune God.