St. Edith Stein

Saint Edith Stein, also known as Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, was a Jewish-born philosopher who converted to Catholicism and became a Discalced Carmelite nun. Born in 1891 in Breslau, Germany (now Wrocław, Poland), she was a brilliant academic and student of phenomenology. After converting to Catholicism in 1922, she entered the Carmelite order in 1933. During World War II, due to her Jewish heritage, she was arrested by the Nazis and deported to Auschwitz, where she was martyred in 1942. Edith Stein was canonized by Pope John Paul II in 1998. She is remembered for her intellectual contributions, her deep faith, and her sacrifice during the Holocaust.

Feast Day is on August 9.

Patronage: Europe; martyrs; loss of parents; World Youth Day.