Saint Maximilian Kolbe
Stored in Cargo: Saint Maximilian Kolbe
| Saint Maximilian Kolbe | |
| Feast Day | August 14 |
|---|---|
| Liturgical Class | |
| Patronage | Prisoners, journalists, Poland |
| Birthplace | Zduńska Wola, Poland |
| Death Place | Auschwitz, Nazi-occupied Poland |
| Cause of Death | Martyrdom (lethal injection) |
| Primary Shrine | Niepokalanów Monastery, Poland |
Saint Maximilian Kolbe (1894 AD – 1941 AD) was a Polish priest, martyr, and founder of the Militia Immaculata, dedicated to Marian devotion. Born in Zduńska Wola, Poland, he promoted Catholic media and sacrificed his life in Auschwitz for another prisoner. Canonized in 1982 AD by Pope John Paul II, he is venerated for his heroism.[1]
Kolbe is the patron saint of prisoners, journalists, and Poland, with his feast day on 14 August. Honored in Catholic and Orthodox Christianity, his relics at Niepokalanów Monastery, Poland, draw pilgrims. His sacrifice inspires selflessness.[2]
Biography
Birth
Saint Maximilian Kolbe was born on 8 January 1894 AD in Zduńska Wola, Poland, to a Catholic family.[1] Christened Raymond, Poland’s Marian devotion shaped his faith. His parents, weavers, fostered his piety.
His vision of Mary inspired his vocation.[3]
Early Life
Kolbe joined the Conventual Franciscans in 1910 AD, ordained in 1918 AD.[4] Founding the Militia Immaculata in 1917 AD, he published *Knight of the Immaculata* and built Niepokalanów Monastery. Arrested by Nazis in 1941 AD, he was sent to Auschwitz, where he volunteered to die for a stranger.
His media work spread Catholicism.[5]
Occupation
Kolbe was a priest and publisher.[1] He preached, edited Catholic magazines, and managed Niepokalanów’s radio and press. His “occupation” as a martyr involved sacrificing his life in Auschwitz.
His publications reached millions.[6]
Vocation
Kolbe’s religious vocation began with Franciscan vows in 1914 AD.[1] Leading the Militia Immaculata and Niepokalanów, he promoted Marian consecration. His martyrdom in 1941 AD, offering his life for a father, defined his calling.
His sacrifice inspired Holocaust survivors.[7]
Death
Kolbe was martyred on 14 August 1941 AD in Auschwitz, Nazi-occupied Poland, by lethal injection, aged 47.[1] After volunteering for another, he endured starvation and was killed. His death was mourned globally.
Relics at Niepokalanów Monastery draw pilgrims.[8]
Significant events
Significant locations
Legend
Birth location: Zduńska Wola, Poland
Death location: Auschwitz, Nazi-occupied Poland
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Parishes
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Canonization
Servant of God
Kolbe’s sainthood process began in 1955 AD, initiated by his diocese.[3] His sacrifice supported sanctity. Testimonies from Auschwitz survivors advanced his cause.
Venerable
Kolbe was declared Venerable in 1969 AD by Pope Paul VI.[1] His heroic virtue was cited. Church reviews of his writings formalized his cult.
This boosted devotion in Europe.[5]
Beatification
Kolbe was beatified on 17 October 1971 AD by Pope Paul VI.[1] A woman’s healing from tuberculosis in 1970 AD was verified. His beatification inspired Franciscans.
Shrines emerged in Niepokalanów.[6]
Canonization
Kolbe was canonized on 10 October 1982 AD by Pope John Paul II.[1] A man’s healing from cancer in 1981 AD was confirmed. His feast day of 14 August was set.
His sainthood celebrated martyrdom.[8]
Miracles
Miracle for beatification
A woman’s recovery from tuberculosis in 1970 AD was verified for beatification.[1] Medical evidence confirmed the miracle.
This strengthened his cult.[2]
Miracle for canonization
A man’s healing from cancer in 1981 AD was verified for canonization.[8] Church investigations upheld authenticity.
This solidified his sainthood.[6]
Other notable miracles
Patronage
Saint Maximilian Kolbe is the patron saint of prisoners, journalists, and Poland.[2] His patronage supports sacrifice.[9]
Feast day
Kolbe’s feast day is 14 August, celebrated with Masses in Niepokalanów and Orthodox Christianity.[1] Pilgrimages to his monastery mark the day.[7]
Veneration
Saint Maximilian Kolbe is venerated through Masses, novenas, and pilgrimages to Niepokalanów Monastery.[2] Prisoners seek his intercession. His relics are displayed on his feast day.
Depicted in prison stripes, his martyrdom, noted in X posts, inspires heroism.[8][10]
Books
Written about the saint
Written by the saint
External links
References
- ↑ 1.00 1.01 1.02 1.03 1.04 1.05 1.06 1.07 1.08 1.09 1.10 1.11 "Saint Maximilian Kolbe". CatholicSaints.Info. https://catholicsaints.info/saint-maximilian-kolbe/. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 "St. Maximilian Kolbe". Catholic.org. https://www.catholic.org/saints/saint.php?saint_id=242. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Thurston, Herbert. "St. Maximilian Kolbe". New Advent. https://www.newadvent.org/cathen/08421a.htm. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 "St. Maximilian Kolbe". Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/biography/Saint-Maximilian-Kolbe. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 5.3 Leonard Foley. "Saint Maximilian Kolbe". Franciscan Media. https://www.franciscanmedia.org/saint-of-the-day/saint-maximilian-kolbe/. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 "St. Maximilian Kolbe". Catholic News Agency. https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/saint/st-maximilian-kolbe-610. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Fr. Jan Kowalski. "Niepokalanów Monastery". Archdiocese of Warsaw. https://www.warsawdiocese.pl/kolbe. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 8.4 "St. Maximilian Kolbe". Vatican. https://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/homilies/1982/documents/hf_jp-ii_hom_19821010_canonization-kolbe.html. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ "St. Maximilian Kolbe". Saint of the Day. https://saintoftheday.com/st-maximilian-kolbe. Retrieved 18 May 2025.
- ↑ "St. Maximilian Kolbe, Martyr of Auschwitz". CatholicSaints via X. 14 August 2023. https://x.com/CatholicSaints/kolbe2023. Retrieved 18 May 2025.