Maximilian (Raymond) Kolbe

Feast Day August 14

St. Maximilian was born Raymond Kolbe on January 7th,1894 in Russian occupied Poland. His parents both worked at home as weavers. At the age of twelve, he received a vision from Our Lady. During this vision he stated:

"I asked the Mother of God what was to become of me. Then she came to me holding two crowns, one white, the other red. She asked if I was willing to accept either of these crowns. The white one meant that I should persevere in purity, and the red that I should become a martyr. I said that I would accept them both."

At the age of 16 he entered the seminary of the Conventual Franciscans. While still in the seminary, he and some friends founded the Immaculata Movement (Militia Immaculata)which promoted devotion to the Blessed Virgin and the conversion of sinners.

He was ordained April 28 1918 in Rome. He founded three monasteries: one in Poland, one in Japan and one in India. His life was marked by poor health which he received as a result of tuberculosis in his teenage years.

After returning to Poland, the publication of his popular magazine "Knight of the Immaculate" caused him to be arrested during the Nazi invasion. He was later transfered to Auschwitz prison. His last heroic act is famous. One married man with a family was set to be executed in retribution for a prisoner escape. St. Maximilian graciously offered to take his place. And indeed St. Maximilian died August 14, 1941 of a lethal injection.He was canonized by Pope John Paul II on October 10th, 1982.

Prayer
Mary, O Holy Mother of God, pray for us that by the example of Saint Maximilian we too may be filled with a burning desire to bring others to Jesus through you and to spend our lives in service to others as your Son would have us do. Amen