St. Maximilian Kolbe

Saint Maximilian Kolbe (8 January 1894 – 14 August 1941), born in Poland, was a Franciscan friar known for his deep devotion to the Virgin Mary and his heroic sacrifice during the Holocaust. He founded the Militia of the Immaculata, a movement dedicated to promoting consecration to Mary and evangelization. During World War II, Kolbe sheltered and protected Jewish refugees at his friary, which led to his arrest and imprisonment at Auschwitz concentration camp. In a display of selflessness, he volunteered to take the place of a condemned prisoner, saving the man’s life. Saint Maximilian Kolbe was martyred by lethal injection on August 14, 1941, and is venerated as the “Patron Saint of Prisoners” and a symbol of charity and self-sacrifice. His life continues to inspire countless people to live lives of compassion, faith, and love for others.