St. Maximilian Maria Kolbe, a remarkable figure and one of the 20th century’s most distinguished saints, exemplifies resilience and unwavering faith. Born Raymund Kolbe in Poland on January 8, 1894, he emerged as a prominent Franciscan friar who met a tragic fate at the hands of the Nazis in Auschwitz. As the second son of Julius Kolbe and Maria Dąbrowska, his early life was marked by spirituality and a profound connection to the Virgin Mary, which would shape his destiny and influence countless lives.
Kolbe’s life took a pivotal turn at the tender age of nine when he experienced a powerful vision of the Virgin Mary. According to the episode narrated by the legendary filmmaker Martin Scorsese in the latest installment of “The Saints,” Kolbe conveyed to his mother how the Blessed Mother presented him with two crowns: one white, representing purity, and the other red, symbolizing martyrdom. In an extraordinary display of ambition, young Kolbe declared, “I chose both.” This profound commitment to his faith fundamentally directed Kolbe’s path and foreshadowed his later sacrifices.
Entering the realm of religious life, Kolbe chose the name “Maximilian” at 16 when he joined the Conventual Franciscans, a Catholic religious order. His studies initially took him to Lviv, present-day Ukraine, and by 1918, after being ordained a priest at the age of 24 in Rome, he was already making significant strides within the Catholic community. His devotion led him to found the Militia Immaculatae in 1917, which aimed at promoting conversions through the intercession of the Virgin Mary.
Kolbe’s extraordinary commitment to spreading the faith led him to Japan, where he established a mission in Nagasaki and subsequently a seminary. His passion for evangelization was undeniable, as he also initiated the Japanese version of “The Knight of the Immaculata,” a publication he began in Poland. However, Kolbe’s life took a somber turn in 1933 when he returned to Poland in the dark shadow of Adolf Hitler’s rise to power. Despite his struggles with tuberculosis, he remained unrelenting in his efforts to enlighten and motivate others about Christianity.
With the German invasion of Poland in World War II, Kolbe found himself at a crossroads. Detained shortly after the invasion, his monastery was ransacked, showcasing the bleak reality of life under Nazi occupation. Yet, amidst this turmoil, Kolbe extended compassion to those suffering, sheltering over 3,000 displaced individuals, including 1,500 Jews. In enlightening dialogues such as one with his neighbor, Mrs. Haba, Kolbe emphasized the importance of viewing everyone, regardless of faith, as brothers and sisters in humanity.
His imprisonment by the Gestapo in February 1941 was followed by torture and transfer to Auschwitz, where he was given the prisoner number 16670. Nevertheless, he continued his role as a priest, enjoying a high regard among fellow prisoners. In a remarkable act of bravery, when a fellow inmate was selected for death in retribution for an alleged escape, Kolbe voluntarily offered to take his place. His famous declaration, “I’m a Catholic priest. I would like to take the place of this man,” resonated profoundly, highlighting his selfless nature and love for his fellow humans.
Despite enduring horrific conditions, Kolbe remained a source of strength and prayer for his fellow inmates in the starvation bunker. Ultimately, he paid the ultimate price for his faith and compassion, being executed by injection on August 14, 1941, a day just before the Feast of the Assumption of Mary.
Kolbe’s legacy did not end in Auschwitz. He was beatified by Pope Paul VI in 1971 and canonized by Pope St. John Paul II on October 10, 1982, being honored as both a confessor and martyr of charity. Notably, Franciszek Gajowniczek, the man whose life he saved, was present at both ceremonies, embodying the incredible impact Kolbe had on his life and faith.
The series “The Saints” on Fox Nation chronicles the inspiring lives of saints like Maximilian Kolbe, showcasing how their tenacity and righteousness can guide modern society through adversity. With an engaging narrative style, Scorsese’s work invites viewers to delve into the legacies of these figures, emphasizing themes of faith, selflessness, and the resilience of the human spirit across time. To explore more about these extraordinary stories of devotion, viewers can access the series through Fox Nation, which offers trial subscriptions for newcomers.