GREATER LOVE…
Father Maximillian Kolbe, a Polish priest, died in the Nazi
concentration camp Auschwitz during World War II. His life story is one of
inspiring sacrifice. When Germany invaded Poland in 1939, Father Kolbe
knew the friary would be seized, so he sent most of his fellow priests back to
their homes. With the aid of the few who remained, he provided shelter
for more than 3,000 refugees, two-thirds of whom were Jews. Eventually,
he was imprisoned and released, but was not at all deterred. He continued
to provide shelter for refugees until May of 1941 when the Nazis closed the
friary and sent Kolbe and his remaining priests to Auschwitz.
At Auschwitz, Kolbe continued his exemplary spirit of
sacrificial giving. The prisoners were slowly and systematically starved,
so when food appeared everyone struggled to get their portion. Father
Kolbe made a practice of standing aside until others had been fed, which often
resulted in nothing being left at all. When he did receive a portion, he
freely shared it with others.
But Father Kolbe’s love reached its greatest heights in July of
1941. In order to discourage escape attempts, the camp had a rule that
ten men would be killed for every person that escaped. After a man from
Kolbe’s bunker escaped, those remaining were led out to face Commander Karl
Fritsch. Ten were selected to be placed in the starvation bunker.
Francis Gajowniczek was one of them, and he broke down in tears.
“My poor wife! My poor children! What will they do?”
Observing this, Father Kolbe stepped forward courageously and
stood before the commandant. “What does this Polish pig want?” he
inquired with a snarl.
“I am a Catholic priest. Let me take his place. I am
old. He has a wife and children.” A hush fell over the entire camp.
Father Kolbe pointed to Francis and again made his request.
“I am a Catholic priest from Poland. I would like to take his
place, because he has a wife and children.”
The commandant was absolutely astounded. He stood silent
for a minute, then agreed to Father Kolbe’s request. Francis was returned
to the ranks as Father Kolbe took his place. Ten condemned men were led
to Building 13 and left without food and water until they starved to death.
After four weeks, four were still alive and Father Kolbe was one
of them. Because the Nazis needed the chamber for more victims those four
were put to death by lethal injection. Father Kolbe died on August 14,
1941, at the age of 47 years, having given his life that another man might
live. Francis survived the war and lived to the age of 95. He never
forgot Father Kolbe or failed to tell others of his incomprehensible and heroic
love.
Father Kolbe followed the supreme example set by Jesus Christ.
Just as Christ loved and laid down His life for our salvation, Father
Kolbe cared enough to offer his life for a brother. Simply amazing!
In the memorable words of our Lord and Savior, “Greater love has
no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” (John 15:13)
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