Saint Elizabeth of Schönau

Biography

Saint Elizabeth of Schönau, also known as Elizabeth of Sconauge or Elisabeth of Schönau, was born in 1126 in Bingen, Germany, to the German nobility. From a young age, she displayed a deep devotion to the Catholic faith and was raised and educated at the Schönau Benedictine abbey near Bingen. It was within the walls of this abbey that Elizabeth found her true home and spiritual calling. At the age of 12, Elizabeth entered the Schönau abbey, dedicating herself to a life of prayer, contemplation, and service to God. She took her vows as a Benedictine nun in 1147 and remained at the abbey for the rest of her life. During her time at Schönau, she developed a close friendship with Saint Hildegard von Bingen, a renowned mystic and writer. In 1152, at the age of 26, Elizabeth began experiencing extraordinary mystical experiences. She received ecstasies and visions of Jesus and the Virgin Mary, and was granted the gift of prophecy. Alongside these mystical encounters, she also suffered intense attacks from demonic forces. Despite these hardships, Elizabeth persevered in her faith and sought solace in her writings. With the assistance of her brother Egbert, a monk and abbot, Elizabeth documented her mystical experiences in three volumes. These writings chronicled her encounters with divine entities, offering insights into heaven, hell, and the spiritual realm. They also provided guidance on living a virtuous and faithful life, drawing from her personal encounters and understanding of God's will. As the years went by, Elizabeth's health grew increasingly fragile, partly due to the strenuous periods of ecstasies and visions. Nevertheless, she continued to serve as a devoted member of the Schönau abbey community. In 1157, Elizabeth was appointed as the abbess of Schönau, holding this position until her death. Saint Elizabeth of Schönau passed away on June 18, 1164, at the age of 38, in Bingen, Germany. Her death was attributed to natural causes. She was buried in the church of Saint Florin at the Schönau abbey. However, during the tumultuous period of the Thirty Years' War, Swedish forces destroyed most of her relics in 1632. Nevertheless, some remaining relics of Saint Elizabeth were enshrined in the parish church in Schönau. Although Saint Elizabeth of Schönau was never formally canonized, her popular devotion endured for centuries. Pope Gregory XIII added her name to the Roman Martyrology in 1584, acknowledging her sanctity and venerable status within the Catholic Church. She is revered as a patron saint against temptations, inspiring individuals to resist the enticements of sin and remain steadfast in their faith. Saint Elizabeth's representation often portrays her as a Benedictine nun with a book, symbolizing her devotion to learning and sharing her mystical experiences for the spiritual benefit of others.