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 Also known
as Apostle of Consecration to Mary; Maximilian Mary Kolbe; Massimiliano Maria
Kolbe
Profile
Suffered from tuberculosis in youth, and
frail in health all his life. Joined the Conventual Franciscan Order at age
16. Ordained at age 24. Doctor of Theology; his insights into Marian theology
echo today through their influence on Vatican II. Founded the Milita
Immaculatae, and published the magazine The Knight of the Immaculate in an
effort to fight religious apathy. Imprisoned in Auschwitz for his anti-Nazi
publications. Ministered to other prisoners, including conducting Mass and
delivering communion using smuggled bread and wine. Died when he traded places
with a young married man who was to be slaughtered in retribution for an
escaped prisoner.
"Kolbe is the patron saint of our difficult
century." -Pope John Paul II
Born: 7 January 1894 at Zdunska Wola,
Poland
Died: August 1941 by lethal carbonic acid injection
after starvation at Auschwitz; body burned in the ovens
Beatified:17 October 1971 by Pope Paul
VI
Canonized: 1982 by Pope John Paul II
Patronage: drug addiction, drug addicts, families,
imprisoned people, journalists, political prisoners, prisoners, pro-life
movement
Writings: A Rule of Life for Those Consecrated to
the Immaculate Virgin
Readings: Courage, my sons, Don't you see that we
are leaving on a mission? They pay our fare in the bargain. What a piece of
good luck! The thing to do now is to pray well in order to win as many souls
as possible. Let us, then, tell the Blessed Virgin that we are content, and
that she can do with us anything she wishes. Saint Maximilian Kolbe
The most deadly poison of our times is
indifference.... And this happens, although the praise of God should know no
limits.... Let us strive, therefore, to praise Him to the greatest extent of
our powers. Saint Maximilian Kolbe
For Jesus Christ I am prepared to suffer still
more. Saint Maximilian Kolbe
See "Perfect Consecration to the Blessed Virgin Mary"
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