Book Reviews and More: Saint Edith Stein: Blessed by the Cross

Monday 15 May 2017

Saint Edith Stein
Blessed by the Cross
(Saint Teresa Benedicta of the Cross)
Encounter the Saints Series
Mary Lee Hill
Mari Goering (Illustrator)
Pauline Books and Media
ISBN 9780819870360
eISBN 9780819872609
ASIN B00AEYP7Q4

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.