Edith Stein, canonized in 1998 and now a co-patroness of Europe, is rightly coming to be seen as one of the most important saints for our times.

The first part of this book presents the life of Edith Stein while going behind the well known lables - Jewess, philosopher, Carmelite nun, martyr of Auschwitz - to reveal the inner struggles of a truly inspirational person: guided in all her thoughts and actions by a constant search for the truth and the acceptance of the will of God, even when it led to the ultimate gift of herself. Added to these ideals which Edith lived out in the challenge of everyday reality, are the ideal figures whom she kept ever before her eyes; Edith's love of Jesus and Mary, Old Testament characters and modern-day saints forms the second part of this book which draws upon her writings on prayer, some of which are not yet published.

This book presents Edith Stein to the readers as a companion in the Christian life - one who found her courage and fulfilment through daily contact with God in prayer and in this way was able, in Edith's own words, to 'go to the world in order to carry the divine life into it'.

Joanne Mosley has written and lectured widely on Edith Stein for a number of years. She is an assistant editor of Mount Carmel, the spiritual review published by the Teresian Carmelites, and gives retreats on the spirituality and saints of Carmel.

Read the review in AD2000 here.