the Saints

Few saints are more associated with heroic sacrifice than Maximilian Kolbe, and for good reason. Maximilian’s incredible life offers us a powerful witness to the courage that following Christ requires. Maximilian Kolbe is often known as the “Saint of Auschwitz.” For him, the call to be a light in the darkness was the essence of who he was. The Franciscan priest gave his life to spare another man and died at the hands of the Nazis amidst one of the greatest horrors of the 21st century. While his story is certainly a banner example of sacrificial love, it was long before Auschwitz that this saint earned his title. He was glorified in his martyrdom, but it was in the quiet commitments of his daily life that he witnessed to the truth. There are many details hidden in the story of Maximilian Kolbe that are as beautiful and inspiring as those that are more well-known. Over the course of these next seven days, we’ll explore what made Maximilian Kolbe the generous, bold, and selfless man we encounter in the story of his death. How did he come to know the Lord? What drove his desire to serve Jesus and the Church? Who was he before he became the saint we know today? We’ll begin together with the sign of the cross. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Raymond Kolbe was born on January 8th, 1894, in a small village in Poland. His family was devoutly Catholic and baptized him the day he was born. Documents from his canonization process assert that Raymond’s parents “shone as models of the Christian life.” When Russia occupied Poland and outlawed the practice of religion, their zeal for Christ and his church gained a new intensity.. They maintained a robust prayer life and a deep devotion to Mary, the Mother of God. It has been said that his mother, Maria, “prayed that God would allow her to die in time to avoid marriage.” She dreamed of entering the convent and only ever wanted to be a nun. Unfortunately, under Russian occupation, Poland didn’t have any convents. So, Maria settled for a husband who loved the Lord as well. Kind, upright, and holy, Julius Kolbe was a third-order Franciscan who matched Maria’s zeal and faithfulness. His layman’s vows to live according to the Franciscan values of poverty and humility suited the family well. The two of them raised three sons together in true destitution. They bore their poverty, however, as a badge of honor, a way of avoiding entanglements with the things of this world, so their sights would be set on heaven alone. It is no surprise that under their influence, Raymond quickly developed a deep devotion to Our Lady of Częstochowa, an icon of Mary with deep roots in Polish culture. But even with a heart for the Blessed Mother, Raymond remained mischievous and sometimes downright difficult. Around the age of nine, Raymond was up to his usual antics. Rambunctious and rowdy, he left his mother depleted. Exhausted by the work it took to look after him, she cried in desperation,

“My child, what’s to become of you?” This question shook Raymond to his core. Concerned and confused, he turned to another mother, one he knew would have an answer. Raymond ran to the church, knelt at the altar before the Blessed Mother, and pleaded with her, “Tell me what will become of me!” Before his very eyes, Mary appeared to him. In her hands were two crowns, one white and the other red. The white crown offered Raymond a life of purity, where he’d be chaste and undivided in his service to God. The red meant he would die a martyr. She extended both and asked which he wanted. Like many children, Raymond didn’t want to choose. So, he told Our Lady, “I want both.” She looked at him lovingly and disappeared. From that point forward, Maria recognized a total transformation in her son. The once unruly child became pious and obedient. His temper cooled. He was often found kneeling at the family altar, dedicated to the Blessed Mother. He was so different that Maria often wondered if he had fallen ill. It was the only explanation she could find for his taming. In fact, it wasn’t until she demanded to know what changed him that young Raymond shared his testimony with her. The tender gaze of Mary had converted the heart of this little boy. His devotion to her would propel him to become a man committed to “love without limits,” ready and willing to sacrifice all he had for the good of another. Under Mary’s mantle, Maximilan’s entire life echoed the words of her fiat, “Let it be done to me according to your word” (Lk. 1:38).

Let’s turn now to some time for prayer and reflection. — For a few moments now, picture yourself in your childhood. Looking back on that time, where can you see God’s grace at work even before you were old enough to articulate it? Both his family of origin, and the political dynamics of Poland played a central role in the development of Maximilian Kolbe’s spiritual life. What people, places, or circumstances have played an important role in your own spiritual formation? How have they shaped the relationship you have with God today?

Our Lady led Maximilian Kolbe to the life and purpose God had intended for him. What is your relationship with the Blessed Mother like? In what ways would you like to deepen that relationship? Bring all of these reflections to God now. Share with Him what is on your mind and heart from today’s time in prayer. For each of these 7 days, we’ll close our time with part of a prayer written by St. Maximilian Kolbe. Let’s pray together now:

Immaculate conception, Mary, my Mother, live in me, act in me. Speak in and through me. Think your thoughts in my mind. Love, through my heart. Give me your dispositions and feelings. Teach, lead, and guide me to Jesus. St. Maximilian Kolbe, Pray for us! In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Thank you for joining us today as we explored the childhood of Maximilian Kolbe and the roots of his incredible Marian Devotion. Tomorrow, we’ll hear the story of Raymond’s vocation to the priesthood and how his mother’s impeccable timing changed the trajectory of his whole life. We look forward to praying with you tomorrow. Until then, may God bless you.