Memorial of Saint Maximilian Kolbe
Scripture:
Ezekiel 9:1-7; 10:18-22
Matthew 18:15-20
Reflection:
Saint Maximilian Kolbe: A Beacon of Sacrifice and Heroism
Saint Maximilian Kolbe, a twentieth-century Polish Franciscan priest and martyr canonized by Pope John Paul II, holds a special place as the patron saint of those battling addiction. His story resonates with profound selflessness and commitment.
Imagine this: Kolbe volunteered to starve to death in a locked cell at Auschwitz, taking the place of another internee condemned by the Nazis to die slowly from starvation. For a person begging Saint Kolbe for help, the misery of giving up a drug could pale in comparison to a meditation on relentless hunger. Kolbe’s sacrifice—paying the ultimate price—can leave an electrifying image to help us face our struggles.
But Kolbe’s heroism extends beyond Auschwitz. He founded the Militia of the Immaculata in 1917—a fierce organization defending the Catholic Faith. While under German occupation, he and fellow religious hid thousands of Jewish and Polish people from the Nazis and fearlessly published anti-Nazi articles.
Today, Saint Maximilian Kolbe’s biography remains a failsafe source of inspiration. Dive into his life—a narrative rich with valor and virtue. Wikipedia provides an adequate introduction.
Jack Dermody is the editor of the CrossRoads bulletin for the Passionist Alumni Association and a member of the Migration Commission for Holy Cross Province. He lives in Glendale, Arizona.