Also known as: Apostle of Consecration to Mary; Maximilian Mary Kolbe;

Massimiliano Maria Kolbe

Saint Maximilian 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

Patron Saint of: 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

Devotion of The Blessed Mother: 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

Inspiration: 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

Feast Day: August 14th