About St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross
St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (1891–1942), born Edith Stein, was a Jewish philosopher who embraced the Catholic faith after reading the autobiography of St. Teresa of Ávila. She entered the Carmelite Order and became known for her deep spirituality, intellectual brilliance, and unwavering love for Christ.
During World War II, she was arrested by the Nazis because of her Jewish heritage and was taken to Auschwitz, where she died as a martyr. She was canonized by Pope St. John Paul II in 1998 and is one of the patron saints of Europe.
Her feast day is celebrated on August 9.
Who was St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross?
St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, also known as Edith Stein, was a Carmelite nun, philosopher, convert to Catholicism, and martyr who gave her life for Christ during the Holocaust.
What is St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross the patron saint of?
She is a patron saint of Europe, philosophers, those seeking truth, converts to the Catholic faith, and people facing persecution.
What do people pray for in the St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross Novena?
People commonly pray for courage, wisdom, perseverance, peace, deeper faith, strength during suffering, and the grace to follow God’s will faithfully.
When is the feast day of St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross?
Her feast day is celebrated on August 9.
How do you pray the St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross Novena?
Traditionally, the novena is prayed for nine consecutive days. Each day, pray the novena prayer, present your personal intention, and conclude with one Our Father, one Hail Mary, and one Glory Be.
Why is Edith Stein called Teresa Benedicta of the Cross?
When Edith Stein entered the Carmelite Order, she received the religious name Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, reflecting her deep devotion to Christ’s Passion and her willingness to embrace the Cross in her own life.
Is St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross a martyr?
Yes. She was martyred at Auschwitz in 1942 and is honoured by the Church as a martyr who remained faithful to Christ until death.
| Novena Begins: | July 31 |
| Feast Day: | August 9 |
Day 1 – Novena to St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein)
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O God, You filled St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross with the light of truth and the fire of Your divine love. Through her faithful witness, she embraced the Cross of Christ with courage, trusting completely in Your holy will even unto death.
Through her powerful intercession, obtain for me the grace to remain faithful to Christ in every trial. Help me to listen to the voice of the Prince of Peace and to follow Him with confidence and love.
Like St. Teresa Benedicta, may I surrender myself entirely to Your divine will. Enlarge my heart with faith, hope, and charity, and fill my soul with holy joy, courage, and strength to serve You faithfully.
Teach me to trust You even when I cannot see the path before me, knowing that You are always leading me toward Your eternal peace. May Your love transform my heart, and may I faithfully carry my cross each day in union with Jesus Christ.
St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, who sought the truth with all your heart and found its fullness in Christ, pray that I may grow in wisdom, perseverance, and holiness.
I now confidently present my special intention.
(Mention your request here…)
St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, obtain for me this favor if it is God’s holy will, and help me to live each day in faithful obedience to Christ.
Amen.
St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 2 – Novena to St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein)
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O God, You filled St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross with the light of truth and the fire of Your divine love. Through her faithful witness, she embraced the Cross of Christ with courage, trusting completely in Your holy will even unto death.
Through her powerful intercession, obtain for me the grace to remain faithful to Christ in every trial. Help me to listen to the voice of the Prince of Peace and to follow Him with confidence and love.
Like St. Teresa Benedicta, may I surrender myself entirely to Your divine will. Enlarge my heart with faith, hope, and charity, and fill my soul with holy joy, courage, and strength to serve You faithfully.
Teach me to trust You even when I cannot see the path before me, knowing that You are always leading me toward Your eternal peace. May Your love transform my heart, and may I faithfully carry my cross each day in union with Jesus Christ.
St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, who sought the truth with all your heart and found its fullness in Christ, pray that I may grow in wisdom, perseverance, and holiness.
I now confidently present my special intention.
(Mention your request here…)
St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, obtain for me this favor if it is God’s holy will, and help me to live each day in faithful obedience to Christ.
Amen.
St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 3 – Novena to St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein)
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O God, You filled St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross with the light of truth and the fire of Your divine love. Through her faithful witness, she embraced the Cross of Christ with courage, trusting completely in Your holy will even unto death.
Through her powerful intercession, obtain for me the grace to remain faithful to Christ in every trial. Help me to listen to the voice of the Prince of Peace and to follow Him with confidence and love.
Like St. Teresa Benedicta, may I surrender myself entirely to Your divine will. Enlarge my heart with faith, hope, and charity, and fill my soul with holy joy, courage, and strength to serve You faithfully.
Teach me to trust You even when I cannot see the path before me, knowing that You are always leading me toward Your eternal peace. May Your love transform my heart, and may I faithfully carry my cross each day in union with Jesus Christ.
St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, who sought the truth with all your heart and found its fullness in Christ, pray that I may grow in wisdom, perseverance, and holiness.
I now confidently present my special intention.
(Mention your request here…)
St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, obtain for me this favor if it is God’s holy will, and help me to live each day in faithful obedience to Christ.
Amen.
St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 4 – Novena to St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein)
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O God, You filled St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross with the light of truth and the fire of Your divine love. Through her faithful witness, she embraced the Cross of Christ with courage, trusting completely in Your holy will even unto death.
Through her powerful intercession, obtain for me the grace to remain faithful to Christ in every trial. Help me to listen to the voice of the Prince of Peace and to follow Him with confidence and love.
Like St. Teresa Benedicta, may I surrender myself entirely to Your divine will. Enlarge my heart with faith, hope, and charity, and fill my soul with holy joy, courage, and strength to serve You faithfully.
Teach me to trust You even when I cannot see the path before me, knowing that You are always leading me toward Your eternal peace. May Your love transform my heart, and may I faithfully carry my cross each day in union with Jesus Christ.
St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, who sought the truth with all your heart and found its fullness in Christ, pray that I may grow in wisdom, perseverance, and holiness.
I now confidently present my special intention.
(Mention your request here…)
St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, obtain for me this favor if it is God’s holy will, and help me to live each day in faithful obedience to Christ.
Amen.
St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 5 – Novena to St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein)
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O God, You filled St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross with the light of truth and the fire of Your divine love. Through her faithful witness, she embraced the Cross of Christ with courage, trusting completely in Your holy will even unto death.
Through her powerful intercession, obtain for me the grace to remain faithful to Christ in every trial. Help me to listen to the voice of the Prince of Peace and to follow Him with confidence and love.
Like St. Teresa Benedicta, may I surrender myself entirely to Your divine will. Enlarge my heart with faith, hope, and charity, and fill my soul with holy joy, courage, and strength to serve You faithfully.
Teach me to trust You even when I cannot see the path before me, knowing that You are always leading me toward Your eternal peace. May Your love transform my heart, and may I faithfully carry my cross each day in union with Jesus Christ.
St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, who sought the truth with all your heart and found its fullness in Christ, pray that I may grow in wisdom, perseverance, and holiness.
I now confidently present my special intention.
(Mention your request here…)
St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, obtain for me this favor if it is God’s holy will, and help me to live each day in faithful obedience to Christ.
Amen.
St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 6 – Novena to St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein)
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O God, You filled St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross with the light of truth and the fire of Your divine love. Through her faithful witness, she embraced the Cross of Christ with courage, trusting completely in Your holy will even unto death.
Through her powerful intercession, obtain for me the grace to remain faithful to Christ in every trial. Help me to listen to the voice of the Prince of Peace and to follow Him with confidence and love.
Like St. Teresa Benedicta, may I surrender myself entirely to Your divine will. Enlarge my heart with faith, hope, and charity, and fill my soul with holy joy, courage, and strength to serve You faithfully.
Teach me to trust You even when I cannot see the path before me, knowing that You are always leading me toward Your eternal peace. May Your love transform my heart, and may I faithfully carry my cross each day in union with Jesus Christ.
St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, who sought the truth with all your heart and found its fullness in Christ, pray that I may grow in wisdom, perseverance, and holiness.
I now confidently present my special intention.
(Mention your request here…)
St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, obtain for me this favor if it is God’s holy will, and help me to live each day in faithful obedience to Christ.
Amen.
St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 7 – Novena to St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein)
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O God, You filled St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross with the light of truth and the fire of Your divine love. Through her faithful witness, she embraced the Cross of Christ with courage, trusting completely in Your holy will even unto death.
Through her powerful intercession, obtain for me the grace to remain faithful to Christ in every trial. Help me to listen to the voice of the Prince of Peace and to follow Him with confidence and love.
Like St. Teresa Benedicta, may I surrender myself entirely to Your divine will. Enlarge my heart with faith, hope, and charity, and fill my soul with holy joy, courage, and strength to serve You faithfully.
Teach me to trust You even when I cannot see the path before me, knowing that You are always leading me toward Your eternal peace. May Your love transform my heart, and may I faithfully carry my cross each day in union with Jesus Christ.
St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, who sought the truth with all your heart and found its fullness in Christ, pray that I may grow in wisdom, perseverance, and holiness.
I now confidently present my special intention.
(Mention your request here…)
St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, obtain for me this favor if it is God’s holy will, and help me to live each day in faithful obedience to Christ.
Amen.
St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 8 – Novena to St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein)
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O God, You filled St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross with the light of truth and the fire of Your divine love. Through her faithful witness, she embraced the Cross of Christ with courage, trusting completely in Your holy will even unto death.
Through her powerful intercession, obtain for me the grace to remain faithful to Christ in every trial. Help me to listen to the voice of the Prince of Peace and to follow Him with confidence and love.
Like St. Teresa Benedicta, may I surrender myself entirely to Your divine will. Enlarge my heart with faith, hope, and charity, and fill my soul with holy joy, courage, and strength to serve You faithfully.
Teach me to trust You even when I cannot see the path before me, knowing that You are always leading me toward Your eternal peace. May Your love transform my heart, and may I faithfully carry my cross each day in union with Jesus Christ.
St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, who sought the truth with all your heart and found its fullness in Christ, pray that I may grow in wisdom, perseverance, and holiness.
I now confidently present my special intention.
(Mention your request here…)
St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, obtain for me this favor if it is God’s holy will, and help me to live each day in faithful obedience to Christ.
Amen.
St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Day 9 – Novena to St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein)
Let us begin, In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O God, You filled St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross with the light of truth and the fire of Your divine love. Through her faithful witness, she embraced the Cross of Christ with courage, trusting completely in Your holy will even unto death.
Through her powerful intercession, obtain for me the grace to remain faithful to Christ in every trial. Help me to listen to the voice of the Prince of Peace and to follow Him with confidence and love.
Like St. Teresa Benedicta, may I surrender myself entirely to Your divine will. Enlarge my heart with faith, hope, and charity, and fill my soul with holy joy, courage, and strength to serve You faithfully.
Teach me to trust You even when I cannot see the path before me, knowing that You are always leading me toward Your eternal peace. May Your love transform my heart, and may I faithfully carry my cross each day in union with Jesus Christ.
St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, who sought the truth with all your heart and found its fullness in Christ, pray that I may grow in wisdom, perseverance, and holiness.
I now confidently present my special intention.
(Mention your request here…)
St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, obtain for me this favor if it is God’s holy will, and help me to live each day in faithful obedience to Christ.
Amen.
St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, pray for us.
Pray One: Our Father…
Pray One: Hail Mary…
Pray One: Glory Be…
Leave us your prayers…