Father Maximillian
Kolbe died in the Nazi concentration camp at 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 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 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 for him. 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. Franciszek 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 Franciszek 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. Franciszek 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 men 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. Franciszek 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 very 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)
May God bless the memory of such a loving and courageous man.
Sisters and brothers,
be continually blessed and please (above all else) MAKE SURE YOU ARE READY TO
MEET YOUR SOON COMING KING. Maranatha!
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