Catholic Saints – Episode: St. Teresa Benedicta (Edith Stein) Host: Taylor Kemp | Guest: Dr. Ariel Harms | Release Date: August 9, 2025

Introduction

In this enlightening episode of the Augustine Institute’s Catholic Saints podcast, host Taylor Kemp is joined by Dr. Ariel Harms, a professor of theology and leader of the pastoral theology program at the Augustine Institute Graduate School. Together, they delve into the extraordinary life of Saint Edith Stein, also known as Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross.

Early Life and Family Background

Saint Edith Stein was born on October 12, 1891, in Breslau, Germany, the youngest of eleven children in a devout Jewish family. Dr. Harms highlights the significance of her birth during Yom Kippur, the Jewish Feast of Atonement, noting, “[00:59] Edith Stein was born... as her family was celebrating Yom Kippur... that's important for later in her life because she did eventually see that as very significant.”

Despite a supportive and hardworking mother who managed the family’s timber business after the early death of Edith’s father, maintaining the family’s religious faith proved challenging. By the age of fourteen, Edith had lost her belief in God and embraced atheism.

Academic Pursuits and Philosophical Studies

In 1913, Edith enrolled at Göttingen University to study philosophy under the mentorship of Edmund Husserl, a pioneer in phenomenology. Dr. Harms explains, “[02:36] Edith Stein... studied phenomenology, which is basically examining the world as we perceive it through our senses... a very empirical philosophy.”

Edith’s academic excellence was evident when she earned her doctorate summa cum laude in 1917, presenting a thesis on “the problem of empathy.” Although Dr. Harms admits to not recalling the specifics of her thesis, he emphasizes Edith’s profound intellectual capabilities and dedication to scholarship.

Moments Leading to Conversion

Several pivotal experiences steered Edith Stein toward her eventual conversion to Catholicism:

1. Witnessing Faith in Action: Edith observed a woman entering the Frankfurt Cathedral during a busy day solely to pray, a sight that puzzled her. This moment prompted her to ponder the depth of true faith beyond mere obligation.

2. Support from a Catholic Friend: Serving as a nurse in an Austrian field hospital during World War I, Edith befriended a recently widowed Catholic woman. Dr. Harms recounts Edith’s reflection: “[06:22] It was the moment when my unbelief collapsed and Christ began to shine his light on me.” The widow’s unwavering faith and ability to provide grief support left a lasting impression on Edith.

3. Literary Inspiration: The summer of 1921 marked a turning point when Edith read The Autobiography of St. Teresa of Avila. Enthralled by the book, she spent an entire night reading it, leading her to declare, “[07:13] This is the truth.” This profound realization culminated in her baptism on January 1, 1922, at the age of thirty.

Conversion to Catholicism

Edith Stein’s baptism was not merely a spiritual rebirth but also an affirmation of her dual heritage. Dr. Harms notes, “[09:02] She was aware that she belonged to Christ not only through baptism spiritually but also through her Jewish blood... she saw herself as a relative of Christ too.” This unique perspective enriched her spiritual journey, blending her intellectual prowess with deep faith.

Religious Life and Intellectual Contributions

Post-conversion, Edith aspired to join the Carmelite order, inspired by Teresa of Avila. However, her spiritual directors advised against it, believing her intellectual talents could better serve God through academia. For nearly a decade, Edith taught at the Dominican Sisters School and Teacher Training College, focusing on translating works of Aquinas and John Henry Newman into German and delivering lectures on the dignity and vocation of women.

Dr. Harms recommends starting with Edith’s “Essays on Woman” for those interested in her accessible writings. He shares a personal reflection, “[17:14] She wanted to lead others to God... recognizing that we are here to bring other people to God.”

Persecution and Martyrdom

The rise of the Nazis in Germany in 1933 abruptly ended Edith Stein’s teaching career due to her Jewish heritage. Forced to leave her position, she entered the Carmelite convent in October 1933, adopting the religious name Sister Teresa Benedicta of the Cross. She received her habit in April 1934, made her temporary vows in April 1935, and perpetual vows in April 1938.

Amidst escalating persecution, Edith likened herself to Queen Esther, stating, “[14:51] I am a very poor and powerless little Esther, but the king who has chosen me is infinitely great and merciful.” Her dedication extended beyond her immediate surroundings as she prayed for the safety of her Jewish family and community.

In 1938, Edith was smuggled into the Netherlands to escape Nazi persecution. However, the Nazi regime's condemnation of Jewish Catholics in 1942 led to her arrest. Alongside her sister Rosa Stein, also a convert, Edith was deported to Auschwitz, where she was tragically killed on her feast day, August 9th, 1942. Dr. Harms affirms her status as a martyr, recognizing her ultimate sacrifice for her faith.

Legacy and Teachings

Saint Edith Stein’s legacy is multifaceted, blending profound intellectual contributions with unwavering faith and courage. Dr. Harms highlights her insights on the role of the laity in the Church, emphasizing that Edith saw scholarship as a form of service to God. She believed in leading others to Christ through her teachings and writings, advocating for the active participation of laypeople in spreading divine life into the world.

Edith’s reflections on balancing earthly engagements with spiritual pursuits resonate deeply with contemporary believers. As Dr. Harms articulates, “[19:43] She learned that deeper devotion to God involves engaging with the world to carry divine life into it.”

Conclusion

Saint Teresa Benedicta (Edith Stein) exemplifies the harmonious blend of intellect, faith, and courage. Her journey from a Jewish family in Germany to a Catholic martyr in Auschwitz offers timeless insights into the power of faith, the importance of intellectual pursuit, and the role of laity in the Church. Through her writings and life, Edith continues to inspire countless believers to seek deeper understanding and active participation in their spiritual journeys.

Notable Quotes:

• “It was the moment when my unbelief collapsed and Christ began to shine his light on me.” – Edith Stein ([06:22])

• “I am a very poor and powerless little Esther, but the king who has chosen me is infinitely great and merciful.” – Edith Stein ([14:52])

• “If anyone comes to me, I want to lead them to him.” – Edith Stein ([17:14])

For listeners eager to explore more about Saint Edith Stein, resources such as Formed Catholic offer extensive materials, including documentaries and writings, accessible through formed.org or your local parish.

Thank you for tuning into Catholic Saints. Join us next time as we continue to uncover the lives and legacies of the Church’s holy men and women.