Born Edith Stein on 12 October 1891 in Breslau, Germany (now Wrocław, Poland), Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross was an exceptional figure with deep intellectual and spiritual interests. She was the youngest of 11 children in a devout Jewish family. However, during her teenage years, Edith declared herself an atheist.

Edith’s intellectual prowess led her to the University of Göttingen, where she was influenced by the teachings of the prominent philosopher, Edmund Husserl. Her studies in phenomenology culminated in a doctorate in 1917, after which she worked as Husserl’s assistant. Despite her academic success, Edith’s spiritual journey led her to a transformative moment in Frankfurt Cathedral where she witnessed a woman’s deep devotion. This, coupled with reading the autobiography of St. Teresa of Avila, set Edith on a path back to faith.

In 1922, Edith was baptized into the Catholic Church. She yearned for deeper consecration and entered the Carmelite Convent in Cologne in 1933, taking the name Teresa Benedicta of the Cross.

However, as the dark cloud of Nazism spread over Germany, Edith, being of Jewish heritage, faced increasing persecution. In an effort to protect her, the Church transferred her to a convent in the Netherlands. But the Nazi grip extended there too, and in 1942, she was arrested.

Edith Stein, along with her sister Rosa who had also become a Catholic and a Carmelite, died in the Auschwitz concentration camp, martyred for her Jewish ancestry, Christian faith, and outspoken criticism of Nazism.

In 1998, Pope John Paul II canonized her, recognizing her as Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross.

Photo credit: Public Domain via Wikimedia Commons
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19 COMMENTS

  1. A timely reminder that our greatest work is not a single act but a life long series of small works. I am reminded of a line from a movie; “When you ask for courage, does God give you courage or does He give you opportunities to be courageous?”

  2. A bit of fiction in the story as well as an anti-pope who had no authority to do anything so who knows how much of this story is true?

    Jews were not gassed. The 6 million number is physically impossible as any funeral home director who understands cremation will testify.
    The V2 Church is from the devil as are its leaders.

  3. What a testimony of a intelligent, learned, brave and courageous woman dying for Christ and for the Jewish people. St Teresa Benedicta pray for us and all those who are persecuted and martyred because of faith.

  4. What an inspiring story of such a faith filled woman. As Christian Catholics let’s pray for those who are filled with hate and disdain and not truly educated in our faith, but only believe what they may hear from those outside our Church who are inspired from darker paths.

  5. St. Edith Stein, I thank you for your intercession for my younger daughter (who has Jewish ancestry on my husband’s side) who finally found a professional job related to her degree after months of struggles. You know what it is like to seek work for an extended period of time. I also thank you for your inspiration to never stop praying to and trusting in Our Lord, even when everything seems impossible. St. Edith Stein, pray for us!

  6. To whom it may concern,
    My name is Fr. Stephen Arabadjis.  I am a member of the Society of St. Pius X.  But I am in my 7th year of Sabbatical.Therefore I was hoping your group could do a 54 day rosary novena for my intentions.  But any prayers and sacrifices would be greatly appreciated.  I know Our Lady will reward you generously for this.
    In Our Lady,
    Fr. Arabadjis
    P.S. Thanking you in advance, since I don’t always get all my communications.

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