Saint Maximilian Kolbe was a Polish Franciscan priest known for his devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, missionary zeal, and heroic charity. He founded the Militia Immaculatae, a movement dedicated to evangelization through consecration to Mary, and used newspapers, radio, and other media to spread the Gospel.
During World War II, Kolbe sheltered refugees and continued his ministry despite persecution. After being imprisoned at Auschwitz Concentration Camp, he volunteered to take the place of a fellow prisoner who had been condemned to die, offering his own life so that the man could live. In doing so, he gave a remarkable witness to Christian love and self-sacrifice.
Saint Maximilian Kolbe is remembered as a martyr of charity whose life reflected Christ’s command to lay down one’s life for others.
Martyrdom of Saint Maximilian Kolbe (1941)
Kolbe voluntarily gave his life in place of another prisoner at Auschwitz.
Canonization of Saint Maximilian Kolbe (1982)
He was canonized by Pope John Paul II and declared a martyr of charity.
Patron of:
Families, Prisoners, Journalists, Radio Operators, the Pro-Life Movement, Those Struggling with Addiction
Feast Day:
August 14
Illustration by: Colton Rompala