St. Maximilian Kolbe

St. Maximilian Kolbe

St. Maximilian Kolbe was born with the name Raymond Kolbe on January 8, 1894. St. Maximilian Kolbe asked Our Lady to appear to him, and she did. When Our Lady appeared she was holding two crowns, one was red, and the other was white. The white crown represented persevering in purity, and the red crown becoming a martyr. Our Lady asked Kolbe if he would accept these crowns, and Kolbe said he would.

One year after the vision, Kolbe and his eldest brother, Francis, joined the Conventual Fransiscans. In 1910 Kolbe was given the religious name Maximilian and in 1911 he professed his first vows. Kolbe received doctorates in philosophy and theology. He also organized the Militia Immaculata. His goal with the Militia Immaculata was to work for the conversion of sinners and enemies, specifically focusing on the conversion of Freemasons. The Militia Immaculata always works through the intersession of Our Lady.

Kolbe did many other amazing things with his life, including publishing and founding monasteries in Japan and India. In May 1941 he was transferred to the Auschwitz concentration camp. During him time in the concentration camp Kolbe went through many struggles, but never abandoned his priesthood. About two months after his arrival men were chosen to face death by starvations, so that fear would be struck into those who tired to escape. Kolbe was not chosen, but voluntered to replace a man who had a family. After staying alive for two weeks with no food or water and having praying constantly, especially to Our Lady, the guards gave Kolbe a lethal injection of carbolic acid.

Kolbe died on August 14, and his remains were found on August 15, the feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Kolbe was canonized by St. Pope John Paul II on October 10, 1982, and was declared a martyr. St. Maximilian Kolbe is the patron saint of drug addicts, prisoners, families, and the pro-life movement!

St. Maximilian Kolbe, Pray for us.