The Life of Saint Maximilian Kolbe
There are few young people who are willing to go to the periphery to help build the kingdom of God by using one's life as a testimony of faith. Maximilian Kolbe knew at a very early age that he could make a difference by offering his life to God. This is why he is a true model of discipleship, holiness, and unselfish behavior who remind us we are all called to sainthood.

Maximilian Kolbe was born under the name Raymund Kolbe on January 8, 1894 in Poland. His father was Juliusz Kolbe from Germany, and his mother was Maria Dabrowska from Poland. He had 4 brothers Jozef, Franciszek, Andrzej, and Walenty Kolbe. Although they were of a very poor upbringing, Maximilian's parent's were very religious and always taught the children to do the right thing. His father was the owner of a religious book store until he decided to enlist in the army to help free Poland from Russian Empire. In 1914, the Russians captured the father and hanged him for supporting the Polish army. After his father died, his mother joined the Benedictine convent and became a nun.

Maximilian Kolbe was not always a perfect boy. When he was young, people …show more content…
In July of the same year, three prisoners escaped from the camp, making the deputy commander upset. The commander ordered 10 men to be starved to death as a punishment. On the man selected was Franciszek Gajowniczek. He had a wife and two sons. When his name was called, he begged not to be killed because he had a family. Maximilian Kolbe saw what was happening and told the deputy he was willing to take his place. He told him he was a Catholic priest from Poland, and he was willing to die to save the other prisoner. The prisoners of the camp was surprised, but the commander agreed to his request. On August 14, 1941, Kolbe was executed with a lethal injection. Maximilian calmly lifted up his arms to heaven and