Maximilian Maria Kolbe (1894–1941)

Biography

Since he was little he felt great devotion to the Virgin. He wore the Franciscan habit in Lwow. He studied in Krakow and Rome, the latter city being where he was ordained a priest. Returning to Poland, he combined great activity with a deep interior life. Ignited by love for the Mother of God, he founded the pious association of the "Militia of Mary Immaculate" which he spread with enthusiasm. Missionary in Japan, he strove to spread the Christian faith under the auspices and patronage of the Immaculate Virgin herself. Father Kolbe was already ripe for God's plans... his apostolic freedom bothered the Nazis who had occupied Poland since 1939. He was arrested and toured several camps in Mathausen, Auschwitz, the latter being the most terrible of the Nazi "lager", being called the "Field of Death" and, according to Pope John Paul II, "the great Golgotha ​​of the contemporary world." It is there that Father Kolbe offers his life as a holocaust of charity for the freedom of Francisco Gajowniczek, father of a family. He died on August 14, 1941. He was beatified by Pope Paul VI in 1971. There was an exceptional witness at the beatification: former sergeant Francisco Gajownizek, for whom the new Blessed had performed the supreme act of offering his life. Father Kolbe was canonized by Pope John Paul II on October 10, 1982.