Thursday, August 14, 2008

St. Maximilian Kolbe




St. Maximilian Kolbe is was an extraordinary man who the world could learn a lot from. Even though I never had the pleasure of meeting this man, I feel as if I have always known him.
Today, he is celebrated by the Catholic Church. He is also celebrated in our home, not only for the wonderful man he was, but for the fact that my oldest son chose Maximilian Kolbe as his confirmation name after reading about him.
Saint Maximilian Kolbe was born January 8, 1894 and died August 14, 1941.
He is considered the "Apostle of Consecration to Mary."
Pope John Paul II declare him the "Patron Saint of our Difficult Century."
He was a Franciscan Priest and founded the Militia Immaculata (http://www.kolbenet.com/pages/library/militia_immaculata.html; follow this link to find out more about the Militia).
Saint Kolbe was arrested in 1941 and sent to Auschwitz. During his time there, he took the place of Fraciszek Gajowniczek who was picked to be placed in Block 13. A place prisoners were put to starve to death.
After 3 weeks, Kolbe and three others were still alive. He was then murdered by a fatal injection of carbolic acid.
He was a fervent advocate to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
He once said, "If angels could be jealous of men, they would be so for one reason: Holy Communion."
I agree Saint Maximilian!! We are blessed to be able to receive Jesus each time we are at the altar.
This man is truly a man who knew how to love his neighbor and knew how to trust in God.
I look forward to the day that I can meet him in the Heavenly Kingdom of Our Lord.
In the mean time, it will continue to be an honor to study, to read, and learn more about this wonderful man who made this world a better place by following Christ's example.


St. Maximilian Kolbe Prayer


O Lord Jesus Christ who said, "greater love than this no man has that a man lay down his life for his friends," through the intercession of St. Maximilian Kolbe, whose life illustrated such love, we beseech You to grant us our petitions .....(mention them here).
Through the Knights of the Immaculata movement, which Maximilian founded, he spread a fervent devotion to Our Lady throughout the world. He gave up his life for a total stranger and loved his persecutors, giving us all an example of unselfish love for all men --- a love which was inspired by true devotion to Mary.
Grant O Lord Jesus, that we too may give ourselves entirely without reserve to the love and service of our Heavenly Queen in order to better love and serve our fellowman in imitation of your humble servant, Maximilian. Amen.
(Say 3 Hail Marys and a Glory be....)

2 comments:

Kathleen Miller said...

Dear Kim,

St. Maximilian Kolbe is one of my favorite saints too. I read the story of his life awhile back and was completely blown away by his faith in God and love for the Blessed Mother.

I go to him for help often, and he is is a regular intercessor for a loved one in my family.

Thanks for the nice post!

God BLess,

Kathy

Anonymous said...

St. Maximilian Kolbe, martyr of charity and martyr of Auschwitz, exemplified true love of God by true love of his neighbor. His love for Mary as his Mother and Mother of his Church, poured out upon others, and thus gave him the inner strength to offer his body for the preservation of life of another. "No greater love has no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:13) St. Maximilian Mary Kolbe, pray for us.

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