Saint Elizabeth of the Trinity had tantrums up through her preteens. So-much-so that a priest once remarked how she was destined to become either “a demon or a saint.”

(As a near-30-year-old woman who tends to have meltdowns over small things like disorganized shoe closets, I find much comfort knowing that a canonized saint was able to overcome tantrum-tendencies…Perhaps there is still hope for me, after all!)

So, what happened? How did Saint Elizabeth get from tantrums to writing moving prayers like the one above?

Two noticeable things:

1. Recognizing Our Lord’s presence in the Eucharist

2. Recognizing Our Lord’s presence within her.

After receiving First Holy Communion, Saint Elizabeth of the Trinity was told by a Carmelite prioress that her name meant “house of God.”

We can see how much this deeply moved Saint Elizabeth when reflecting on her life and writings. Especially when we consider how long Saint Elizabeth had to wait before pursuing her vocation as a cloistered nun.

She longed for a life spent in constant adoration and prayer. But she recognized that she need not wait to enter Carmel to begin this practice. She could “pray unceasingly” as a layperson.

We see example after example of Saint Elizabeth referencing to her heart as if it were it’s own cloistered place of prayer. A place where her Lord continuously dwelled and waited to converse with her.

Her time of waiting to enter Carmel was not wasted. Saint Elizabeth realized that just as we must seek to tend to sacred spaces like churches and chapels, we must also tend to the sacred spaces within our hearts.

We must not forget that the Holy Spirit dwells within us. Let us make a safe place for Our Lord to dwell. Remember that no matter where you are, no matter what you are doing, no matter how ugly the situation you are in, you have a cloistered place of prayer within your own heart.

Your Beloved waits for you….you need not go far.

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Further Reading

Want to know more about Saint Elizabeth of the Trinity?

I’ve read every single one of these articles/books below and 10/10 recommend them all. (Not sponsored or affiliate links. I just really love this saint…)

• Full prayer to Saint Elizabeth’s Prayer, Trinity Whom I Adore. It’s such a good one.

• Have a devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus? Want to know more about Saint Elizabeth of the Trinity? Read this beautiful article for this month of The Sacred Heart of Jesus. “You will never be commonplace if you are vigilant in love… But in the hours when you feel only oppression and lassitude, you will please God even more if you faithfully believe that He is still working, that He is loving you just the same, and even more: because His love is free and that is how He wants to be magnified in you; and you will let yourself be loved more than these.” (Saint Elizabeth of the Trinity)

• This Present Paradise by Claire Dwyer was my first introduction to Saint Elizabeth of the Trinity. I feel like it is one every mother in particular should read.

• Saint Elizabeth of the Trinity: Complete Works Can you get any better than reading from the Saint herself?

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**Disclaimer: I try very hard to make sure the content of these reflections align with Church teaching…but I am still human and fallible (and may need occasional help from my brothers and sisters in Christ!) If you read something in one of my emails that does not align with Church teaching, please let me know! Likewise, when in doubt, seek out more information and contact your parish priest.