Elizabeth Called Rosa

ELISABETTA called Rosa. – A mystic of the twelfth century, perhaps the daughter of Rodolfo, 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 Rosecum (Rozop), from which came the name Rosa, where she lived as a penitent in a hut. After a short time, the discouraged companions abandoned her, and she, left alone, hid in the hollow of an oak. At first mocked, she soon became renowned for her virtues, attracting many virgins to her following, including her sister. Thus arose a monastery dedicated to s. Maria (ca. 1166), of which E. was placed in charge. The monastery was destroyed by the Calvinists in the sixteenth century, and the nuns were transferred to Villechasson. E. died in the reputation of holiness on 13 December 1130.