Edith Stein on the Woman's Soul

"Just so, woman's soul is designed to be subordinate to man in obedience and support; it is also fashioned to be shelter in which other souls may unfold."

"The soul of woman must therefore be expansive and open to all human beings; it must be quiet so that no small weak flame will be extinguished by stormy winds; warm so as to not benumb fragile buds; clear, so that no vermin will settle in dark corners and recesses; self-contained, so that no invasions from without can imperil the inner life; empty of itself, in order that extraneous life may have room in it; finally, mistress of itself and also of its body, so that the entire person is readily at the disposal of every call."

-Edith Stein, Fundamental Principles of Women's Education

I've noticed that you have all really liked my quotes from Edith Stein. I am pleased to announce that our next Ladies Night Out will feature a presentation by Anne Costa on Edith Stein!!!! 

Please join us on April 7th @ 7 PM at Stein's Restaurant in Camillus!!! 

Please RSVP with Rita Condon at elizabethministryrita@gmail.com or (315) 673-9458.

Edith Stein on Living for Christ

Source.

"The complete surrender of [a woman's] entire life and being is to live and work with Christ; but that also means to suffer and die with Him--that fruitful death from which springs the life of grace for all humanity."

-Edith Stein, The Church, Woman, and Youth

This is one of several "creepy" quotes I found in reading her work. It sends chills down your spine considering the way she died.

Note: I had trouble with the previous sentence. "She died" sounds too passive, too neutral. St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, aka Edith Stein, as a Jewish convert to Catholicism was one of 6 million Jews slaughtered in the Shoah (Holocaust)

Edith Stein on the Importance of Grace in the Pursuit of Holiness

"No book learning can give this acuteness of vision to our blind sight, no straining of the will can provide the energy to clip the wild shoots within ourselves and in those dear to us. Supernatural means must now come to our help."

-Edith Stein, The Significance of Woman's Intrinsic Value in National Life

Edith Stein and Mary as Our Role Model

One of my favorite paintings of Mary: Mother of Life by Nellie Edwards

"As Mother of God and mother of all God's children, she is exalted above all creatures on the throne of glory; maternity itself is glorified through her."

"Every woman who wants to fulfill her destiny must look to Mary as ideal."

-Edith Stein, Spirituality of the Christian Woman (emphasis is mine)

Edith Stein on the Importance of the Holy Eucharist

"For every Catholic there lies ready an immeasurable treasure: the proximity of the Lord in the holy sacrifice and in the most holy sacrament of the altar. Whoever is imbued with a lively faith in Christ present in the tabernacle, whoever knows that a friend waits here constantly--always with the time, patience, and sympathy to listen to complaints, petitions, and problems, with counsel and help in all things--this person cannot remain desolate and forsaken even under the greatest difficulties. He always has a refuge where quietude and peace can again be found."

"It is most important that the Holy Eucharist becomes life's focal point: that the Eucharistic Savior is the center of existence; that every day is received from His hand and laid back therein; that the day's happenings are deliberated with Him."

-Edith Stein, Spirituality of the Christian Woman