St. Maximilian Kolbe: Feast Day, Prayers, Patronage and More

Saint Maximilian Kolbe

Overview

  • Birth: January 8th, 1894 
  • Location: Zduńska Wola in present-day Poland
  • Death: August 14, 1941 
  • Beatification: October 17, 1971 by Pope Paul VI
  • Canonized: October 10, 1982 by Pope John Paul II
  • Feast Day: August 14
  • Patron Saint of: Journalists, media communications, prisoners, the family and the chemically addicted

Early Life

As a child, Kolbe was known for his devoutness as well as his mischief. One of the most profound experiences of his youth was a visitation from the Blessed Mother, who appeared before him in church offering two crowns: one white, symbolizing purity, and one red, symbolizing martyrdom. Kolbe chose both, an encounter that profoundly deepened his devotion to the Blessed Mother. 

St. Maximilian Kolbe, a Franciscan priest and missionary in Poland, published anti-Nazi works from a monastery during the German occupation. He also hid thousands of Jews and refugees from captivity. Eventually, Nazi authorities discovered his underground activities, leading to his arrest.  

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Legacy

After his arrest, Kolbe was sent to Auschwitz, one of the most brutal concentration camps, where he continued to minister as a priest, providing spiritual guidance to fellow inmates. One day, a prisoner escaped leading Nazi guards to select ten men to be starved to death in a bunker as punishment. Moved by the distress of one selected man who cried out for his wife and children, Fr. Kolbe volunteered to die in his place. While in the bunker, Kolbe led the prisoners in the rosary, daily prayer, and singing songs to the Blessed Virgin throughout the weeks. 

On August 14th, with only four prisoners left, Kolbe breathed his last breath. Maximilian Kolbe’s profound devotion to the Blessed Mother was exemplified by his founding of the Militia of the Immaculata, a movement dedicated to promoting total consecration to Mary for the renewal of society.

St. Maximilian Kolbe Prayers

In times of great suffering, isolation, or moral challenge, we seek comfort and guidance from St. Maximilian Kolbe, who showed charity and devotion in the face of evil. This prayer calls upon him and Our Lady, the Immaculata, to remind us of God’s enduring presence and love during our darkest moments:

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A Prisoner’s Prayer

O Prisoner – Saint of Auschwitz,

help me in my plight. Introduce me to Mary, the Immaculata, Mother of God. She prayed for Jesus in a Jerusalem jail. She prayed for you in a Nazi prison camp. Ask her to comfort

me in my confinement. May she teach me always to be good. If I am lonely, may she say, “God is here.” If I feel hate, may she say, “God is love.” If I am tempted, may she say, “God is pure.”

If I sin, may she say, “God is mercy.” If I am in darkness, may she say, “God is light.” If I am unjustly condemned, may she say, “God is truth.” If I have pain in soul or body, may she say, “God is peace.” If I lose hope, may she say: “God is with you all days, and so am I.” Amen.

(Source)

This prayer seeks St. Maximilian Kolbe’s intercession and guidance in protecting and supporting our families, as he gave his life to protect a family from loss and harm:

Prayer for Families

St. Maximilian Kolbe, you gave your life so that a family might not be deprived of a husband and father. By your heroic martyrdom of charity, teach us that the value of family life is worth our sacrifices also. Just as you found in Mary the channel of those graces that strengthened you to be faithful to her Son, help us to rejoice also in her who was given to us as a mother by Jesus from the cross. Be with us, St. Maximilian, as we pray for the special needs of our family (Say petitions here). Amen.

(Source)

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St. Maximilian Kolbe Quotes

  • “To win the entire world for the Immaculata and, through her, for the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus.” 
  • “The Cross is the school of love.” 
  • “If angels could be jealous of men, they would be so for one reason: Holy Communion.”
  • “Do not forget that holiness consists not in extraordinary actions, but in performing your duties towards God, yourself, and others well.” 
  • “Be a Catholic: When you kneel before an altar, do it in such a way that others may be able to recognize that you know before whom you kneel.”

Patronage

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