St. Maximilian Kolbe
Martyr of Charity
Feast Day: August 14Life & Legacy
St. Maximilian Kolbe was a Polish Franciscan friar who promoted devotion to the Immaculate Virgin Mary and founded the Militia Immaculata movement. During World War II, he provided shelter to refugees and was eventually arrested by the Nazis. In Auschwitz, he volunteered to take the place of a condemned man with a family, dying by starvation and ultimately lethal injection. His martyrdom exemplifies Christ's teaching that there is no greater love than to lay down one's life for another.
Birth
January 8, 1894
Death
August 14, 1941
Birthplace
Zduńska Wola, Poland
Canonization
October 10, 1982
Patron Of
Notable Quotes
“For Jesus Christ I am prepared to suffer still more.”
“No one in the world can change Truth.”
“The cross is the school of love.”
Notable Miracles
- Survival of Franciszek Gajowniczek
- Healing of Angela Testoni
- Protection of Niepokalanów Monastery
Associated Prayers
- Prayer for Self-Offering
- Prayer for Courage
- Prayer to the Immaculata
Prayer to St. Maximilian Kolbe
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