Francuski koloryt modlitwy w życiu i pismach Elżbiety od Trójcy Świętej
The French Colour of Prayer in the Life and Writings of Elizabeth of the Trinity

Summary/Abstract: Elizabeth of the Trinity (Elizabeth Catez; 1880–1906), a French Carmelite nun and mystic, was canonized by Pope Francis on October 16, 2016. Her mysticism is closely linked to the theology of St. Paul the Apostle and the Carmelite school of spirituality. By combining the inspired texts of Scripture in an original way, she discovered “her own” path to holiness. The question to what extent a mystic is also inspired by his or her environment always remains relevant. This paper examines the extent to which Elisabeth’s originality is clothed in the robe of the French school of spirituality. It focuses on three realities: the theological-spiritual ideas of the French school of spirituality of the seventeenth century; the currents of thought of the late nineteenth century — social and religious thought; French popular piety. An analysis of her writings reveals that Elizabeth’s prayer life and her teaching on prayer are in many ways similar to the spiritual currents of her time. Nevertheless, one can come to believe that her mystical experience was thoroughly original, going beyond her education (she was not a theologian). In this way one sees the hidden work of God who enables a human being to follow Him on a new path, according to His plan, commensurate with the vocation He has given.

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