Saint Maximilian Kolbe stands as one of the most exemplary Catholic figures who demonstrated the ultimate virtues of faith, love and self-sacrifice. The Polish poor family birthed Kolbe who grew into an endless evangelist of Mary's Immaculate Virgin status and founder of mission work before his tragic death in Auschwitz became the inspiration for countless people. The Church declared Maximilian Kolbe a martyr after his canonization by Pope John Paul II on October 10, 1982 because he demonstrated the Gospel's highest calling which is to die for friends (John 15:13). Through his life of boundless devotion and unlimited charity he provides us with an inspiring example to remember that love will overcome hatred in the modern world.

Raymond Kolbe entered this world as the second child of weavers in Zdunska Wola Poland on January 8, 1894 during Russian control of the region. The devout Christian family of Raymond's birth focused their worship on the Virgin Mary who raised him in a religious environment. Kolbe showed extraordinary piety during his early years. A vision changed his life at the parish church when he was only twelve years old after his mother punished him for misbehaving. At the parish church the Virgin Mary appeared before him with two crowns: one white and pure and one red representing blood and death. She asked if he would accept them. The young Raymond accepted both crowns with great enthusiasm which marked his path toward sainthood and ultimate selfless sacrifice. This spiritual encounter created a deep devotion to Mary which determined his life's purpose.

In 1907 Kolbe joined the Franciscan junior seminary at Lwow where he excelled at mathematics and physics to such an extent that he considered joining the military to fight for Poland. Divine guidance brought him and his brother Francis to join the Conventual Franciscans. He began his novitiate training in 1910 when he received the religious name Maximilian. After his arrival in Rome for studies he obtained doctorates in philosophy during 1915 and theology during 1919 while dealing with tuberculosis health issues. Priesthood ordination took place for Kolbe on April 28, 1918 when he dedicated his ministry to fight secular enemies like Freemasonry. On October 16, 1917, inspired by anti-Catholic demonstrations in Rome, he founded the Militia Immaculata (Army of the Immaculate One), a movement dedicated to converting sinners and enemies of the Church through Mary's intercession. The organization began its rapid growth in 1917 through total dedication to the Immaculate Virgin and continues today to promote spiritual renewal across the world.

The Polish return of Kolbe in 1919 marked the beginning of his flourishing apostolic work. The health issues that affected him did not stop him from starting the monthly periodical *Rycerz Niepokalanej* in 1922 which expanded to 750,000 subscribers by 1939. The publication spread devotion to Mary and delivered inspiring messages about faith to counter anti-Catholic ideologies. In 1927, he established Niepokalanow, the "City of the Immaculate," near Warsaw—a sprawling Franciscan monastery that became one of the largest in the world, housing over 700 friars by 1939. The self-reliant Niepokalanow complex operated its own printing press together with a radio station and fire brigade to produce the daily newspaper *The Little Daily* while leading anti-abortion initiatives that strengthened moral values in Poland. Through his creative media use Kolbe became an early evangelization pioneer who used contemporary technologies to spread the Gospel message.

Kolbe sent his missionary mission to spread beyond the boundaries of Europe. He initiated the Mugenzai no Sono (Garden of the Immaculate) in Nagasaki during his 1930 trip to Japan. The monastery remained relatively intact after the 1945 atomic blast in Nagasaki which people interpreted as divine protection. During his time in Japan, Kolbe maintained deep respect for Japanese customs by having meaningful discussions with Buddhist religious leaders and presenting his message with absolute fidelity. His mission work in India was part of his plans along with plans to reach Siberia because he sought to lead people to Christ through Mary. Through his approach he showed inclusiveness and respect because he believed good exists within opposing systems.

World War II proved to be the ultimate test of Kolbe's faith because it demonstrated his heroic acts of charity. When the Germans invaded Poland in 1939 Niepokalanow became a shelter for refugees. The shelter at Niepokalanow accepted more than 3000 displaced people including 2000 Jewish refugees while sharing what little resources they had and offering spiritual support. The publications of the Catholic priest continued to bring hope to people and he even distributed anti-Nazi materials to German speaking readers. When arrested by the Gestapo on February 17 1941 Kolbe refused to accept German citizenship despite being ethnically German and was imprisoned in Warsaw's Pawiak prison where he was beaten but still ministered to his fellow inmates. As prisoner 16670 he was taken to Auschwitz on May 28 1941 where he suffered from the harsh labor conditions and constant harassment but he continued to perform his priestly duties by sharing food and hearing confessions while remaining serene.

During July 1941 Kolbe displayed his greatest act of love. The Nazis punished 10 prisoners by choosing them for starvation after a fellow prisoner escaped. When Franciszek Gajowniczek the family man cried out in despair Kolbe stepped forward saying "I am a Catholic priest." I want to die for that man." For more than two weeks while imprisoned in the starvation bunker Kolbe led prayers and hymns as he spiritually sustained his fellow prisoners until he was the last one alive. The eve of the Assumption in 1941 Kolbe died from lethal injection while calmly raising his arm in acceptance. According to Pope John Paul II Kolbe's death represented a victory identical to that of Christ because love conquered hatred.

The Catholic Church declared him a Confessor in 1971 under Pope Paul VI before Pope John Paul II declared his canonization as martyr because he was a shining example of love in a sinful era. The Pope highlighted the Christian parallels between Kolbe and Jesus during the canonization service when he stated that Maximilian died by giving his life for his brother. Through his death...he displayed the complete ultimate greatness of the human being. After his death Kolbe became the patron saint of amateur radio operators and drug addicts and political prisoners and families and the pro-life movement. The Catholic Church observes August 14th as a celebration of his Marian devotion and his martyrdom.

Saint Maximilian Kolbe demonstrates that authentic greatness exists through selfless devotion to love and Marian consecration. His life example today shows us how to practice purity and evangelize boldly and make sacrifices for others as we deal with current division and injustice. The spiritual victory of Kolbe's sacrifice stands as a triumph of faith which overcomes evil according to Pope John Paul II who visited Auschwitz in 1979. His intercession motivates us to live with heroic charity.