Carthusian Saints (PDF) - Charterhouse of the Transfiguration

4.
BLESSED BEATRICE OF ORNACIEUX
- FRANCE -
(NOVEMBER 25, 1303)
Beatrice of Ornacieux was born of noble lineage in the second
half of the twelfth century, in Southeastern France. At thirteen, with
the precocious maturity of medieval women, she joined the Carthusian
nuns of Parménie, where she had for novice mistress Marguerite
of Oyngt, a nun well known even today for the writings she has left
us. She also wrote the life of her holy novice.
Beatrice was very charitable and patient, providing help to all the
necessities of her sisters, working in the kitchen and the infirmary.
The Evil one tormented
her with dreadful
impure fantasies and nocturnal
phantasms: ferocious
animals and frightful
noises. At first her
reaction was to ask God
to take her out of the exile
of this earthly life, but a
miraculous voice told her
not to desire anything
which would not accomplish
the will of God.
“Receive the consolations
that I give you and refuse
not the sufferings that I
send you”, the voice
added. From then on she abandoned herself into God’s hands and she
only wanted to do His will.
Beatrice was an ardent soul, aflame with love for her Bridegroom
Jesus Christ. This love was the dynamic behind the life of penance
she led to follow Christ as close as possible in his sufferings. He responded
to her ardent love and sacrifices by granting her an intimate
14