The Memorial of Saint Maximilian Kolbe, Priest and Martyr

The Memorial of Saint Maximilian Kolbe, Priest and Martyr

Recently, I met a woman whose daughter is battling cancer. She shared with me the anguish she felt upon learning of her daughter's diagnosis, praying earnestly to God: "Please take her life instead. God, I am old. Can I suffer for her? Please spare my daughter from suffering; take my life instead." Many of us can empathize with such deep, selfless love for our family members, willing to endure any hardship for their sake. Even willingly die for them.

Today, we commemorate the feast of Saint Maximilian Mary Kolbe, an extraordinary priest and martyr who showed a sacrificial love for a stranger. During World War II in 1941, Kolbe was arrested by the Nazis and confined in a concentration camp. In that brutal environment, the Nazis enforced a cruel policy: if a prisoner escaped, ten men would be chosen to starve to death in retribution.

When the names of the chosen men were called, one cried out in anguish for his family and children. Witnessing this, Maximilian Kolbe, a Catholic priest, stepped forward and offered to take the man's place. He argued that his life could be sacrificed in place of the man's, demonstrating his profound love and courage.

To everyone's surprise, the commandant accepted Kolbe's offer. He and nine others were then confined to a container, where they faced terrible starvation. Days passed, and as starvation took the lives of the others, Maximilian Kolbe remained steadfast. Finally, after enduring two weeks without food or water, the guards ended his life with a lethal injection of carbolic acid. Even in his final moments, witnesses recall Kolbe's serenity as he prayed for those around him.

Maximilian Kolbe's act of selflessness, willingly giving his life for a stranger, echoes the words of Jesus: "No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends" (John 15:13). While most of us may not be called to such a dramatic sacrifice, we are called to live out this love daily in small, significant ways—offering our time, sharing our resources, and being present for those in need. Each act of selflessness mirrors Christ's love and has the power to transform lives.

Kolbe's life teaches us that true love often demands sacrifice. Whether in our families, workplaces, or communities, we are called to put God and others first and offer our love and support, even if it requires the cost. This selflessness is a profound witness to the world and a reflection of Christ's love.

Through the intercession of Saint Maximilian Kolbe, may we find the courage to live out our Christian calling with dedication and love. May God bless us all.