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Encounter the Saints #5
Saint Edith Stein: Blessed by the Cross
A biography of the Jewish philosopher and convert to Catholicism who was put to death at Auschwitz during World War II and canonized by Pope John Paul II in 1998.
136 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1999
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
May 16, 2017
This is the second book in the 'Encounter the Saints' series from Pauline Books and Media that I have read in the past week; it was an awesome read. This series is written for younger readers but are also great introductions for readers of all ages. But children in the intended 8-12 age range will really appreciate this series and especially this book. I encountered Saint Edith Stein in a few university courses, but this book brought her to life in a new way for me. Especially her childhood, there were so many events in her young life in this book that I had yet to read about.
This book has 18 short chapters about Saint Edith Stein’s life that span from being six years old and begging to start school early, to her death in the concentration camps of Nazi Germany. This book does not have the narrow focus of just her time in the convent and her death like others I have read. This one is the story of her life. Then from here early academic success, to a break from studies. Later to return to University. And her conversion to Catholicism, and her call to become a Carmelite nun. First a nun in Cologne, Germany and then as the hostilities against the Jews. So her move to in Echt, Holland, and learning to speak Dutch, yet another language that she mastered, to help her fit in and serve in that community.
Edith Stein serves as an example to all of us to pursue knowledge, and truth. Her passion for academics was only surpassed by her passion to live for Christ, which was awakened through reading. Reading this with my oldest that was challenged by Edith’s example, and has committed to put more effort into school and into prayer. I have had an icon of Saint Edith Stein for a number of years over my desk at home. I have had a devotion to her for a number of years now, but this book has drawn me to the heart and example of this saint even more so.
The book also contains five illustrations by Mari Goering. From a very young Edith, to her in the concentration camp in Germany just before the end of her life. These pencil drawings have great details. These illustrations add a great element to the book. At the end of the book there is a wonderful prayer
As mentioned this book is the second in the ‘Encounter The Saints’ series that I have read. Both were great reads. I know that I will be reading many more in the series. This book will inspire and encourage. I am very thankful that I discovered this book and this series, highly recommend both.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books in the Encounter the Saints Series.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2017 Catholic Reading Plan!
This book has 18 short chapters about Saint Edith Stein’s life that span from being six years old and begging to start school early, to her death in the concentration camps of Nazi Germany. This book does not have the narrow focus of just her time in the convent and her death like others I have read. This one is the story of her life. Then from here early academic success, to a break from studies. Later to return to University. And her conversion to Catholicism, and her call to become a Carmelite nun. First a nun in Cologne, Germany and then as the hostilities against the Jews. So her move to in Echt, Holland, and learning to speak Dutch, yet another language that she mastered, to help her fit in and serve in that community.
Edith Stein serves as an example to all of us to pursue knowledge, and truth. Her passion for academics was only surpassed by her passion to live for Christ, which was awakened through reading. Reading this with my oldest that was challenged by Edith’s example, and has committed to put more effort into school and into prayer. I have had an icon of Saint Edith Stein for a number of years over my desk at home. I have had a devotion to her for a number of years now, but this book has drawn me to the heart and example of this saint even more so.
The book also contains five illustrations by Mari Goering. From a very young Edith, to her in the concentration camp in Germany just before the end of her life. These pencil drawings have great details. These illustrations add a great element to the book. At the end of the book there is a wonderful prayer
As mentioned this book is the second in the ‘Encounter The Saints’ series that I have read. Both were great reads. I know that I will be reading many more in the series. This book will inspire and encourage. I am very thankful that I discovered this book and this series, highly recommend both.
Read the review on my blog Book Reviews and More and reviews of other books in the Encounter the Saints Series.
Note: This book is part of a series of reviews: 2017 Catholic Reading Plan!
November 18, 2012
This is a children's book, but a very well written introduction to St.Edith Stein. I really enjoyed it, and it made me want to read more about the subject. I'm passing it along to my daughters who I think will also enjoy it and be inspired.
February 3, 2014
very good.........
September 27, 2024
An account of Saint Edith Stein. Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross.
A convert from Judaism and an academic, who found her vocation with the Discalced Carmelites. The story reflects the persecution of Jews in Germany during the rise of the Third Reich. The chilling account of her arrest by the SS in German occupied Holland. Her martyrdom culminates with a move by death train to the ‘east’, reputedly in the notorious concentration camp of Auschwitz.
The book is replete with valuable lessons.
She grew up in a single family home where her Mother worker during the day.
She spent her youth searching for Truth in philosophy. When she discovered truth it turned out to be God, who gave us Jesus Christ and His Church. Her conversion was painful for those she loved.
Her spiritual advisor indicated she should not enter Religious life but find a way in the world to serve God.
She gave her life generously as a lecturer and teacher.
She was highly qualified doctor of philosophy, but was refused professorship due to being non-Aryan. She overcame this prejudice with peacefulness.
And finally she was in a world of intellectuals but discerned the calling to the strictest of religious orders. The Carmelite life of enclosure, prayer, penance and simplicity seemed a waste of her talent. From this came her martyrdom. Our plans do not always turn out as we expect, but in this we discern Gods will.
She was canonized in Rome on October 11th 1998. In 1999 Pope John Paul II declared Saint Edith Stein to one of the heavenly co-patronesses of Europe together with Saint Catherine of Sienna and Saint Bridget of Sweden.
A convert from Judaism and an academic, who found her vocation with the Discalced Carmelites. The story reflects the persecution of Jews in Germany during the rise of the Third Reich. The chilling account of her arrest by the SS in German occupied Holland. Her martyrdom culminates with a move by death train to the ‘east’, reputedly in the notorious concentration camp of Auschwitz.
The book is replete with valuable lessons.
She grew up in a single family home where her Mother worker during the day.
She spent her youth searching for Truth in philosophy. When she discovered truth it turned out to be God, who gave us Jesus Christ and His Church. Her conversion was painful for those she loved.
Her spiritual advisor indicated she should not enter Religious life but find a way in the world to serve God.
She gave her life generously as a lecturer and teacher.
She was highly qualified doctor of philosophy, but was refused professorship due to being non-Aryan. She overcame this prejudice with peacefulness.
And finally she was in a world of intellectuals but discerned the calling to the strictest of religious orders. The Carmelite life of enclosure, prayer, penance and simplicity seemed a waste of her talent. From this came her martyrdom. Our plans do not always turn out as we expect, but in this we discern Gods will.
She was canonized in Rome on October 11th 1998. In 1999 Pope John Paul II declared Saint Edith Stein to one of the heavenly co-patronesses of Europe together with Saint Catherine of Sienna and Saint Bridget of Sweden.
September 6, 2022
Another wonderful book in the Encounter the Saints series. Edith Stein was born in a devout Jewish family, but her love for schooling led her to the studies of philosophy and she became an atheist. While she always had great professional success, although held back by her sex and race, she felt something was missing. Eventually her studies brought her to Catholicism, and despite her family’s cries of protest, she became the Carmelite nun, Sister Teresa Benedicta of the Cross. The book offers a gentle introduction to the Holocaust for young readers, and the fate of St. Benedicta.
May 5, 2017
Ultimate Reading Challenge 2017. A book about an interesting woman.
Edith Stein (Sister Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, OCD) was a Jew living in Germany. She was an extremely well educated woman for her time. Against her mother's wishes she converted to the Catholic faith and later became a nun. She was executed by the Nazi party because she was Jewish.
Edith Stein (Sister Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, OCD) was a Jew living in Germany. She was an extremely well educated woman for her time. Against her mother's wishes she converted to the Catholic faith and later became a nun. She was executed by the Nazi party because she was Jewish.
April 16, 2019
سيرة حياة إديث شتاين (او الأخت تيريزا بنديكتا رهبانية الصليب) يحكي قصة فتاة يهودية عاشت في ألمانيا. كانت امرأة متعلمة تعليما جيدًا حسب وقتها. وضد رغبات والدتها ، اعتنقت الكاثوليكية وأصبحت راهبة فيما بعد. تم إعدامها من قبل الحزب النازي في معسكرات اﻻعتقال لأنها كانت يهودية.
June 1, 2021
This is one of the best books I have read in the Encounter The Saints series.
And at the time I was reading it I also watched the documentary Shoah (all nine hours of it!)
All about the Nazi death camps, a very moving documentary. St Edith Stein truly was a saint and is a worthy patron of Europe.
And at the time I was reading it I also watched the documentary Shoah (all nine hours of it!)
All about the Nazi death camps, a very moving documentary. St Edith Stein truly was a saint and is a worthy patron of Europe.
September 22, 2019
It was ok. For someone who led a fascinating life, I felt there could've been more action.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews