ST Maximillian Kolbe lived his life anticipating a martyr’s crown.
Born in 1894 in Polish territory, St Maximillian Kolbe’s life was strongly influenced by a vision of the Virgin Mary when he was just 12 years old.
He said that the Mother of God had presented him two crowns, one of white purity and one of red martyrdom.
Offered either crown, St Maximillian Kolbe told Mary he would accept both.
He then became a Franciscan Friar, working in missions across East Asia and publishing religious and cultural works throughout Europe.
Living in a Polish monastery at the start of the Second World War, St Maximillian Kolbe refused to collaborate with German officials.
Even when offered similar rights to German citizens, St Maximillian Kolbe refused.
By early 1941, the monastery was forced to close and alongside four others Kolbe was arrested, eventually being transferred to Auschwitz.
Among some prisoners chosen for execution was Franciszek Gajowniczek, a man with a family.
St Maximilian Kolbe made an offer to take the place of Gajowniczek.
In those final days, St Maximillian led prayers and hymns as he faced his own death.
Franciszek Gajowniczek survived the camp and dedicated the rest of his life to telling the story of the friar who gave everything for him.
His words kept alive the memory of the saint’s ultimate act of selfless love.
As we honor St Maximilian Kolbe today, we are reminded of the self-giving love of Christ.
On August 14 we remember St Maximilian Kolbe’s life of devotion and ultimate willingness to God’s will.
