ELISABETTA DETTA ROSA

ELISABETTA called ROSA. – Mystic of the 12th century, perhaps daughter of Rudolf, Count of Crépy, and of Adele, Countess of Bar-sur-Aube. Having entered the Benedictine monastery of Chelles (Paris), she later withdrew with two companions to a deserted place called Rosetum (Rozo), from which her name of Rosa derived, where she lived as a penitent in a hut. After a short time her companions, discouraged, abandoned her, and she, left alone, hid herself in the hollow of an oak. At first mocked, soon the fame of her virtues spread and attracted many virgins to her, including her sister. Thus arose a monastery dedicated to St Mary (c. 1106), of which E. was head. The monastery was destroyed by the Calvinists in the 16th century, and the nuns transferred to Villechasson. She died in a reputation for holiness on 13 December 1130.