Elizabeth Catez was born into a military family near Bourges, France. Her father died when she was young and although her mother opposed her vocation to Carmel, Elizabeth entered the Carmel of Dijon in 1901 at the age of 21 and  died there five years later of Addison's disease. From her earliest years she had a deep sense of God's presence in her life and determined to give her whole life and love to Him. She was a gifted pianist and had a great capacity for friendship, enjoying the social life of her times to the full - including following the latest Paris fashions! But amid the most enjoyable parties and gatherings Elizabeth reserved a sacred place of silence in her heart for God. Her life in Carmel was brief but there she found all she desired: "I can't find words to express my happiness. Here there is no longer anything but God. He is All; He suffices and we live by Him alone." (Letter 91)

Her writings consist of summaries of her private retreats, prayers and her extensive correspondence to family and friends. The indwelling of the Blessed Trinity in each baptized person was the central mystery which inspired her life and spirituality: "It seems to me that I found my Heaven on earth, since Heaven is God and God is in my soul. The day I understood that, everything became clear to me. I wish to tell this secret to those whom I love so that they also, through everything, may also cling to God…" (Letter 122). Her feast day is on November 8th.