Saint Maximilian Maria Kolbe was a Conventual Franciscan friar who volunteered to die in place of a stranger in the Nazi German concentration camp of Auschwitz, located in German-occupied Poland during World War II.
No one in the world can change Truth. What we can do and and should do is to seek truth and to serve it when we have found it. The real conflict is the inner conflict. Beyond armies of occupation and the hetacombs of extermination camps, there are two irreconcilable enemies in the depth of every soul: good and evil, sin and love. And what use are the victories on the battlefield if we are ourselves are defeated in our innermost personal selves? ~Saint Maximilian Maria Kolbe
Never be afraid of loving the Blessed Virgin Mary too much. You can never love her more than Jesus did and If anyone does not wish to have Mary Immaculate for his mother, he will not have Christ for his brother. ~Saint Maximilian Maria Kolbe
Oh Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee. And for all those who do not have recourse to thee; especially the Masons and all those recommended to thee. ~Saint Maximilian Maria Kolbe
If angels could be jealous of men, they would be so for one reason: Holy Communion. ~Saint Maximilian Maria Kolbe
God dwells in our midst, in the Blessed Sacrament of the altar. ~Saint Maximilian Maria Kolbe
The culmination of the Mass is not the consecration, but Communion. ~Saint Maximilian Maria Kolbe
He remains among us until the end of the world. He dwells on so many altars, though so often offended and profaned. ~Saint Maximilian Maria Kolbe
You come to me and unite Yourself intimately to me under the form of nourishment. Your Blood now runs in mine, Your Soul, Incarnate God, compenetrates mine, giving courage and support. What miracles! Who would have ever imagined such! ~Saint Maximilian Maria Kolbe
The most deadly poison of our time is indifference. And this happens, although the praise of God should know no limits. Let us strive, therefore, to praise him to the greatest extent of our powers. ~Saint Maximilian Maria Kolbe
Introduction to Saint Maximilian Maria Kolbe
Saint Maximilian Maria Kolbe, a Conventual Franciscan friar, is renowned for his extraordinary sacrifice during World War II. Volunteering to die in place of a stranger in Auschwitz, his life and words offer profound insights into truth, love, and faith. His teachings resonate with timeless relevance, offering guidance and inspiration.
The Unchangeable Nature of Truth
“No one in the world can change Truth. What we can do and should do is to seek truth and to serve it when we have found it.” ~Saint Maximilian Maria Kolbe
Saint Kolbe’s assertion about the unchangeable nature of truth underscores its eternal and universal aspects. He encourages an active pursuit of truth, emphasizing the importance of not just recognizing it but also serving it. This principle acts as a guiding light in a world often mired in relativism and uncertainty.
The Inner Conflict: Good vs. Evil
“The real conflict is the inner conflict… there are two irreconcilable enemies in the depth of every soul: good and evil, sin and love.” ~Saint Maximilian Maria Kolbe
Kolbe’s words reflect the perennial struggle within the human soul between good and evil. He points out that external conflicts, no matter how devastating, pale in comparison to this internal battle. His message is a call to self-awareness and the pursuit of love and virtue over sin.
Devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary
“Never be afraid of loving the Blessed Virgin Mary too much. You can never love her more than Jesus did…” ~Saint Maximilian Maria Kolbe
Saint Kolbe’s deep devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary is evident in this quote. He encourages a fearless love for Mary, positioning her as an integral figure in Christian faith. His words challenge believers to deepen their devotion and understand the unique role of Mary in the context of Jesus’s life.
Intercession of Mary
“Oh Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee…” ~Saint Maximilian Maria Kolbe
This quote reflects Kolbe’s belief in the power of intercession through the Virgin Mary. His invocation not only for believers but also for those who do not seek her aid, like the Masons, highlights his inclusive approach to faith and his belief in Mary’s intercessory power for all.
The Envy of Angels: Holy Communion
“If angels could be jealous of men, they would be so for one reason: Holy Communion.” ~Saint Maximilian Maria Kolbe
Kolbe’s reflection on Holy Communion underscores its significance in Christian faith. By suggesting that even angels would envy this human privilege, he elevates the act of receiving Communion, emphasizing its profound spiritual importance.
The Presence of God in the Eucharist
“God dwells in our midst, in the Blessed Sacrament of the altar.” ~Saint Maximilian Maria Kolbe
Here, Kolbe speaks to the heart of Catholic Eucharistic theology – the real presence of God in the Eucharist. This belief in the physical presence of God on Earth is central to Catholic worship and spirituality.
Communion: The Peak of Mass
“The culmination of the Mass is not the consecration, but Communion.” ~Saint Maximilian Maria Kolbe
Kolbe shifts the focus from the consecration of the Eucharist to the act of receiving Communion. He views Communion as the apex of the Mass, where the faithful not only witness Christ’s sacrifice but also partake in it, establishing a personal connection with God.
The Enduring Presence of Christ
“He remains among us until the end of the world. He dwells on so many altars, though so often offended and profaned.” ~Saint Maximilian Maria Kolbe
This quote reflects Kolbe’s belief in the perpetual presence of Christ in the world through the Eucharist. Despite human failings and disrespect, he emphasizes that Christ’s presence endures, offering a message of hope and resilience.
Miracle of Intimate Union with Christ
“You come to me and unite Yourself intimately to me under the form of nourishment…” ~Saint Maximilian Maria Kolbe
Kolbe marvels at the miracle of Communion, where believers unite intimately with Christ. He speaks to the profound mystery and grace inherent in this act, where the divine and human meet in a deeply personal experience.
The Poison of Indifference
“The most deadly poison of our time is indifference. And this happens, although the praise of God should know no limits.” ~Saint Maximilian Maria Kolbe
Kolbe identifies indifference as the greatest threat to faith and humanity. He calls for active engagement in faith and the ceaseless praise of God, challenging believers to combat complacency with fervor and dedication.
Conclusion: The Legacy of Saint Maximilian Maria Kolbe
Saint Maximilian Maria Kolbe’s life and words offer a profound testimony to the power of faith, sacrifice, and love. His teachings, steeped in a deep understanding of Christian doctrine, challenge us to confront internal conflicts, embrace unconditional devotion, and recognize the sacred in everyday practices. Kolbe’s legacy is a beacon of hope, guiding us towards a life lived in truth, faith, and unwavering love for the divine.