St. Maximilian Marie Kolbe
Jesus
said "there is no greater love than to lay down one's life for a
friend." Maximilian Kolbe followed the words of Jesus to his death.
Maximilian was a Franciscan priest living in Poland when World War II broke out. In addition to millions of Jews, Catholic priests and religious were also persecuted. When he knew that he and his companions were soon to be arrested, he told them that no matter what happens to "not forget love." This remarkable statement came from someone who knew that they would be treated horribly.
After his arrest, Maximilian was sent to the Nazi prison camp in Auschwitz. In 1941, one of the prisoners escaped. In retaliation, the Nazis picked ten prisoners to die in his place. One of those selected to die was a Polish soldier, Francis Gajowniczek. Upon seeing this, Maximilian approached the German commander and said: "I am a Catholic priest from Poland. I would like to take his place because he has a wife and children."
Maximilian was placed along with the other nine prisoners condemned to die in a starvation unit. Instead of grief, Maximilian led prayers and assured his companions that the Nazis "will not kill our souls." Eventually, Maximilian was given a lethal injection.
Pope John Paul II canonized Maximilian on October 10, 1982, declaring him the patron of a difficult century. He noted that while with martyrdom there is torment, the secret of death is that God is greater. He gives one the strength to give up his life for a friend.
St. Maximilian's Feast Day is celebrated on Aug. 14. 
By Fr. Jerry Vincke,
Director of Bethany House
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