Saint Maximillian Maria Kolbe

Saint Maximillian Maria Kolbe was a Franciscan and a martyr who gave his life to save a life of a stranger. This inspiring story took place during World War II, in Nazi concentration camp Auschwitz, located in Poland. Saint Maximillian was a prisoner there in 1941. One day it was discovered that a prisoner escaped from the concentration camp. The Nazi soldier in charge decided that 10 other prisoners will be starved to death as a punishment for that escape. One of the 10 chosen people was Franciszek Gajowniczek, who had a wife and children. Saint Maximillian volunteered to die instead of him, so that he might return to his family one day. Together with nine other prisoners, Saint Maximillian was locked in a cell to die of hunger. The prisoners were very upset at first, but under Saint Maximillian's influence they calmed down. He prayed with them and heard their confessions. Eventually all prisoners from the group died. Franciszek Gajowniczek survived the concentration camp and returned to his family.

Saint Maximillian's example of self-sacrifice to the point of death is a clear reflection of the sacrifice Jesus Christ made for all of us by dying on a cross. Their demeanor is a constant reflection for me in making daily sacrifices for the good of my family.

Submitted by Marcin M.