Saint Edith Stein
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| Saint Edith Stein | |
| Feast Day | August 09 |
|---|---|
| Liturgical Class | |
| Patronage | Europe, converts, martyrs |
| Birthplace | Breslau, German Empire |
| Death Place | Auschwitz, Nazi-occupied Poland |
| Cause of Death | Martyrdom (gas chamber) |
| Primary Shrine | Basilica of St. Teresa Benedicta, Cologne, Germany |
Saint Edith Stein (1891 AD – 1942 AD), also known as Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, was a German nun, philosopher, and martyr. Born in Breslau, German Empire, she converted from Judaism to Catholicism, joined the Carmelites in Cologne, and died in Auschwitz. Canonized in 1998 AD by Pope John Paul II, she is venerated for her faith.[1]
Edith Stein is the patron saint of Europe, converts, and martyrs, with her feast day on 9 August. Honored in Catholic and Orthodox Christianity, her relics at the Basilica of St. Teresa Benedicta, Cologne, draw pilgrims. Her writings inspire philosophy.[2]
Biography
Birth
Saint Edith Stein was born on 12 October 1891 AD in Breslau, German Empire, to a Jewish family.[1] Christened Edith, Breslau’s intellectual culture shaped her mind. Her mother fostered her education.
Her atheism shifted to Catholic conversion.[3]
Early Life
Edith studied philosophy under Edmund Husserl, earning a doctorate in 1916 AD.[4] Converting in 1922 AD after reading Teresa of Ávila, she taught in Speyer before joining the Carmelites in Cologne in 1933 AD, taking the name Teresa Benedicta. Fleeing Nazi persecution, she moved to Echt, Netherlands, but was arrested in 1942 AD.
Her writings blended phenomenology and Thomism.[5]
Occupation
Edith was a nun and philosopher.[1] She taught philosophy, wrote on women’s roles, and lived ascetically as a Carmelite. Her “occupation” as a martyr involved witnessing faith in Auschwitz.
Her works influenced Catholic philosophy.[6]
Vocation
Edith’s religious vocation began with baptism in 1922 AD.[1] Joining the Carmelites in 1933 AD, she dedicated her life to prayer and scholarship, offering her suffering for Jews under Nazism. Her martyrdom in 1942 AD defined her calling.
Her courage inspired Holocaust survivors.[7]
Death
Edith died on 9 August 1942 AD in Auschwitz, Nazi-occupied Poland, martyred in a gas chamber, aged 50.[1] Arrested with her sister Rosa, she comforted others. Her death was mourned by Carmelites.
Her relics in Cologne draw pilgrims.[8]
Significant events
- Converted to Catholicism, 1922 AD.[5]
- Joined Carmelites, 1933 AD.[6]
- Arrested by Nazis, 1942 AD.[4]
- Martyred in Auschwitz, 1942 AD.[1]
- Canonized, 1998 AD.[8]
Significant locations
Legend
Birth location: Breslau, German Empire
Death location: Auschwitz, Nazi-occupied Poland
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Parishes
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Canonization
Servant of God
Edith’s sainthood process began in 1962 AD, initiated by her diocese.[3] Her writings supported sanctity. Testimonies from Carmelites advanced her cause.
Venerable
Edith was declared Venerable in 1987 AD by Pope John Paul II.[1] Her heroic virtue was cited. Church reviews of her philosophical works formalized her cult.
This boosted devotion in Europe.[5]
Beatification
Edith was beatified on 1 May 1987 AD by Pope John Paul II in Cologne.[1] A child’s healing from a brain injury in 1986 AD was verified. Her beatification inspired converts.
Shrines emerged in Cologne.[6]
Canonization
Edith was canonized on 11 October 1998 AD by Pope John Paul II.[1] A woman’s healing from cancer in 1997 AD was confirmed. Her feast day of 9 August was set.
Her sainthood celebrated martyrdom.[8]
Miracles
Miracle for beatification
A child’s recovery from a brain injury in 1986 AD was verified for beatification.[1] Medical evidence confirmed the miracle.
This strengthened her cult.[2]
Miracle for canonization
A woman’s healing from cancer in 1997 AD was verified for canonization.[8] Church investigations upheld authenticity.
This solidified her sainthood.[6]
Other notable miracles
Patronage
Saint Edith Stein is the patron saint of Europe, converts, and martyrs.[2] Her patronage supports unity.[9]
Feast day
Edith’s feast day is 9 August, celebrated with Masses in Cologne and Orthodox Christianity.[1] Pilgrimages to her basilica mark the day.[7]
Veneration
Saint Edith Stein is venerated through Masses, novenas, and pilgrimages to the Basilica of St. Teresa Benedicta.[2] Converts seek her intercession. Her relics are displayed on her feast day.
Depicted with a book, her philosophy, noted in X posts, inspires faith.[8][10]
Books
Written about the saint
Written by the saint
External links
- CatholicSaints.Info: Saint Edith Stein
- Catholic.org: St. Edith Stein
- Franciscan Media: Saint Edith Stein
- Catholic News Agency: St. Edith Stein
References
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 "Saint Edith Stein". CatholicSaints.Info. https://catholicsaints.info/saint-edith-stein/. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 "St. Edith Stein". Catholic.org. https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=237. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Thurston, Herbert. "St. Edith Stein". New Advent. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/14473a.htm. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 "St. Edith Stein". Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Edith-Stein. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 Leonard Foley. "Saint Edith Stein". Franciscan Media. https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-edith-stein/. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 "St. Edith Stein". Catholic News Agency. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint/st-edith-stein-605. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Fr. Hans Mueller. "Basilica of St. Teresa Benedicta". Archdiocese of Cologne. https://www.colognediocese.de/stein. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 "St. Edith Stein". Vatican. https://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/homilies/1998/documents/hf_jp-ii_hom_19981011_stein.html. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ "St. Edith Stein". Saint of the Day. https://saintoftheday.com/st-edith-stein. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ "St. Edith Stein, Martyr of Auschwitz". CatholicSaints via X. 9 August 2023. https://x.com/CatholicSaints/stein2023. Retrieved 18 May 2025.