30 July 2026

Holy Sisters! 4 Pairs of Female Siblings Who Helped Each Other to God

I did not know that St Teresa Benedicta of the Cross's sister, Rosa, also became a Carmelite and was martyred in Auschwitz for her Jewish birth.


From 
Aleteia

By Philip Kosloski

These sisters had tight bonds growing up in the same family, and helped each other strive for holiness. Now some of them are canonized saints and others are on the way!

Often sisters become best friends, sharing in similar interests that forge a life-long bond that is nearly unbreakable.

In many cases this has proven to be spiritually beneficial, especially when sisters seek to follow God's will in their lives, helping each other grow closer in their relationship with God.

The following is a brief listing of 8 "sister saints," many of whom are officially canonized, or at least on the road to canonization with a cause currently underway.

St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross and Rosa Stein

While St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein) is known for her heroic life that was ended in the gas chambers of Auschwitz, her sister is often forgotten. Rosa Stein joined Edith in the same Carmelite monastery during World War II and was with her in the gas chambers. Rosa is not currently a saint, but it is possible that she could be considered, as she shared in Edith's martyrdom.

St. Thérèse and Leonie Martin

St. Thérèse is well-known for her "little way," and one of her sisters was an early "disciple." Leonie Martin led a difficult life and while she never entered the Carmelite monastery, she entered the Visitation Sisters and kept in close correspondence with her sister. Her cause is currently being considered by the Vatican and she has the title of "Servant of God."

St. Martha and St. Mary of Bethany

St. Martha is the sister of St. Mary of Bethany and the two are mentioned together in the Bible. Pope Francis decreed a few years ago that "July 29 be designated in the General Roman Calendar as the Memorial of Saints Martha, Mary, and Lazarus."

St. Clare and St. Agnes of Assisi

St. Agnes of Assisi was the younger sister of St. Clare and followed in her footsteps in many ways. St. Agnes was eventually chosen by St. Francis to be the superior of a community of sisters in Florence, Italy.

Pictured: St Teresa Benedicta of the Cross (Edith Stein), Feast Day 9 August

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