Born Rajmund Kolbe on January 8, 1894, in Zduńska Wola within the Russian Empire, Saint Maximilian Kolbe is renowned as the “Apostle of Consecration to Mary.” His journey from a Polish boy with German roots to a symbol of profound sacrifice is nothing short of inspirational.

Early Life and Education

Young Kolbe grew up in a devout family. They moved to Pabianice, working as weavers and later running a bookstore. Kolbe’s father, in 1914, even joined the fight for Poland’s independence, only to be captured by the Russians.

In 1907, drawn towards religious life, Kolbe and his elder brother crossed into Austria-Hungary to join the Conventual Franciscan junior seminary in Lwów. By 1911, he’d taken his first vows and adopted the name Maximilian. He completed his final vows in Rome in 1914, adding “Maria” to honor the Virgin Mary.

Rome was an educational haven for Kolbe. He pursued diverse subjects like philosophy, theology, mathematics, and even astrophysics. By 1919, he had two doctorates from prestigious institutions. The vehement anti-papal demonstrations by the Freemasons in Rome propelled Kolbe to form the Militia Immaculata (Army of Mary). This group aimed at converting sinners and the Church’s adversaries through Mary’s intercession.

Return to Poland and Missionary Work

Back in Poland, Kolbe was a whirlwind of activity. He passionately promoted the veneration of the Virgin Mary, establishing the Niepokalanów monastery near Warsaw, a radio station, seminary, and more. The 1930s saw him in Japan, where he founded a Nagasaki monastery, a newspaper, and a seminary. Interestingly, his decision to build the monastery on a particular mountain side protected it from the devastating atomic bomb blast in Nagasaki during WWII.

World War II and Ultimate Sacrifice

The war brought chaos to Poland. Kolbe’s friary became a haven, sheltering many, including 2,000 Jews from Nazi persecution. As a radio amateur (SP3RN), he openly condemned Nazi actions.

However, in February 1941, the Nazis arrested Kolbe. He was transferred to Auschwitz in May. A few months later, when a prisoner’s escape led to ten men being chosen for starvation as punishment, Kolbe’s unyielding spirit of service shone brightly. He voluntarily replaced a distraught man, Franciszek Gajowniczek, who feared for his family.

For three weeks, Kolbe uplifted fellow prisoners in Block 11 with songs and prayers. He was the last survivor, eventually executed via a lethal injection.

Legacy and Canonization

Saint Maximilian Kolbe’s legacy is a testament to human resilience and faith. He is celebrated as one of the ten 20th-century martyrs above Westminster Abbey’s Great West Door. His ultimate sacrifice was recognized by the Vatican, and he was canonized by Pope John Paul II in 1982, with Gajowniczek in attendance.

Love uCATHOLIC?
Get our inspiring content delivered to your inbox every morning - FREE!

13 COMMENTS

  1. Undeniably believe that that you stated. Your favorite reason appeared to be on the internet the simplest factor to bear in mind of. I say to you, I certainly get irked whilst folks consider concerns that they plainly don’t recognize about. You controlled to hit the nail upon the top as smartly as outlined out the whole thing with no need side-effects , other folks could take a signal. Will probably be again to get more. Thank you

  2. Michael loves music as well. One day he was singing “We Will Rock You.” Not sure where it came from, but I like him to know where it came from, so I showed him Queen singing it on YouTube. He LOVES IT. That and “Another One Bites the Dust.” He really enjoys and is open to all kinds of music, sort of like me.

  3. St. Maximillian Kolbe, please pray for us. During your time on earth, you were exposed to many cultures, and even lived in a very different one during your time in Japan. Even though you were against Zionism, when you saw the persecution of the Jews, you helped save 2,000 of them from the Nazis. Please intercede with Our Lord to send His Holy Spirit to guide the leaders of our country to end racial, class and religious prejudices and hate; to always seek peace with our earthly neighbors, and to do the best always to enforce national security and truly serve the American people. Amen.

    • Let us not forget the Nazi’s were Christians it’s just they took the Churches preaching against the Jews a bit too far.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here