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Feast Day of Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein)
A Convert and Doctor of the Church
Introduction
On August 9th, we celebrate the feast day of Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, also known as Edith Stein. A convert from Judaism, Stein's journey to Catholicism and eventual martyrdom during the Holocaust left an enduring legacy in the Church.
Conversion and Vocation
Born in a Jewish family in 1891, Stein pursued a successful academic career in philosophy. However, at the age of 30, she underwent a profound conversion to Catholicism after reading the autobiography of Saint Teresa of Avila. Baptized in 1922, Stein entered the Carmelite Order in 1933, taking the name Teresa Benedicta of the Cross.
Persecution and Martyrdom
With the rise of Nazism, Stein's Jewish heritage made her a target of persecution. In 1942, she was arrested and imprisoned in Auschwitz concentration camp. On August 9th, 1942, she was gassed to death alongside her sister, Rosa. Stein's martyrdom became a symbol of the Church's suffering during the Holocaust.
Doctor of the Church
In 1998, Pope John Paul II proclaimed Stein a Doctor of the Church, recognizing her exceptional contributions to theology and spirituality. She became one of only four women to hold this title, joining Saint Catherine of Siena, Saint Teresa of Avila, and Saint Hildegard of Bingen.
Legacy
Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross's legacy continues to inspire Catholics worldwide. Her writings on the relationship between faith and reason, the mystery of the cross, and the importance of dialogue between Christians and Jews remain relevant today. Her unwavering faith in the face of adversity serves as a reminder of the transformative power of God's love.
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