On October 15, 2024, Ellen Finnigan communicated with Lew regarding the upcoming online retreat featuring Fr. McCarthy, which several LRC readers will attend. Finnigan expressed gratitude to Lew for his efforts in promoting Fr. McCarthy’s work, noting the impact of his platform. She highlighted the story of Edith Stein, a pivotal figure whose life and miraculous events are intertwined with that of the McCarthy family, capturing the profound intersection of faith, friendship, and miraculous healing in contemporary Catholicism.
Edith Stein was born on October 12, 1891, as a Jewish atheist and philosopher. Over time, her intellectual journey led her to convert to Catholicism, culminating in her commitment as a Carmelite nun. Unfortunately, her life was cut short when she died in Auschwitz on August 9, 1942. Despite her tragic fate, her legacy endures through her canonization and impact on the Catholic faith, as well as her designation as St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross following her decision to join the Carmelite order. Her remarkable story exemplifies the transformative power of faith, even in the face of immense adversity.
One of the most poignant aspects of Fr. McCarthy’s life is the naming of his daughter, born on August 8, 1984, after Edith Stein. She was named Benedicta, reflecting her connection to the saint. The significance of the name is amplified by a harrowing incident that occurred in 1987 when toddler Benedicta accidentally ingested an enormous lethal dose of Tylenol. Faced with uncertainty and despair, the McCarthy family initiated a prayer tree seeking intercession from St. Teresa Benedicta of the Cross, showcasing the deep faith that permeated their familial challenges.
Miraculously, young Benedicta emerged from this life-threatening ordeal unscathed, leading to a celebration of faith and gratitude within the McCarthy family and their community. The healing that ensued became a touchstone for many, illustrating the power of collective prayer and the intercession of saints in the Catholic faith. This miracle further solidified Edith Stein’s significance in the lives of those who sought her intercession, adding a contemporary layer to her already profound legacy.
On October 11, 1998, the Catholic Church formally recognized Edith Stein as a saint, an event that deeply impacted Fr. McCarthy. He had the honor of con-celebrating the canonization Mass alongside Pope John Paul II, marking a milestone for the McCarthy family and the Catholic community at large. This moment reflects the enduring influence of Stein’s life and teachings while reinforcing the significance of the miraculous healing of the McCarthy’s daughter as a testament to her intercession.
Ellen Finnigan concluded her correspondence with a nod to her own work and projects, including her teaching and podcast initiatives focused on educational and spiritual topics. Her reflection on Fr. McCarthy’s family narrative alongside Edith Stein’s life captures a larger story of faith, miracles, and the intertwining of personal experiences with broader spiritual truths, demonstrating how lives can be profoundly impacted by these divine interventions and connections within the Catholic faith.
