St. Maximilian worked to convert all people to God

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Saint Maximilian Kolbe and other friars from the Niepokalanów monastery were arrested by the Gestapo and sent to concentration camps.

By Donna Masek

For St. Maximilian Kolbe, to pursue the conversion to God of all people, and to strive so that all would become saints, under the patronage and through the mediation of the Immaculate Virgin, was a mission worth living, working, suffering and even dying for. Using all valid and legitimate means at his disposal, he extended his hand to all people in the hopes of fulfilling this mission. His heart was trained to love without limits, culminating in his final gift of self on Aug. 14, 1941.

He practiced his evangelical spirit during his many travels throughout Europe using public transportation. Never fearful to begin religious conversations with fellow passengers, Father Kolbe would gently point out errors in their understanding of Catholic beliefs, and offer simple instruction regardless of their ethnicities and backgrounds.

In addition to nurturing the soul, Fr. Kolbe offered assistance to the bodily needs of many. As World War II began, his Polish friary housed thousands of displaced individuals in 1940. Relying heavily on Divine Providence, he gave orders to feed anyone who came to the friary’s door, provided for their medical needs in the infirmary and ordered the woodshop to make coffins for the deceased.  

Fr. Kolbe was arrested twice. His first arrest led him, along with other friars, to the internment camps of Lamsdorf, Amtitz and Ostrzeszow. Recognized for his gentle and prayerful demeanor at Amtitz, he was given an unprecedented portion of cheese for his name day. He divided it equally amongst the 48 priests and friars in his group with the instruction to consume their portion slowly.

His second arrest on Feb. 17, 1941, sent him first to Pawiak prison, then to the Auschwitz concentration camp, where he experienced horrendous conditions, coupled with the realities of being a prisoner of war. Yet, his disposition remained that of St. Paul in Galatians 2:20: “It is not I who live, but Christ who lives in me.”

Ultimately offering to take the place of a family man who had been sentenced to die with nine others in the starvation cell, Fr. Kolbe continued to offer pastoral care to his small flock. He led them in prayers and hymns that were heard by others in the cell block. He received a fatal shot of carbolic acid on Aug. 14, 1941, the eve of the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

St. Maximilian Kolbe, we turn to you in prayer. Help us live by faith: may it be strong, especially in the face of suffering and trials. Help us live in hope: may we never grow discouraged when faced with difficulties and failures. Help us to live by love: may we learn to forget ourselves and see Our Lord reflected in every brother and sister. Help us to always look intently on Jesus, who lived and died for love of us, and now reigns forever and ever. Amen.

Donna Masek is a Volunteer of the Immaculata and represents the Militia of the Immaculata  in Utah. Through Immaculata Village meetings, retreats and other outreaches, the MI serves both the English and Spanish communities. For information, contact Donna at miutah.stmary@gmail.com.