Homily: St. Maxmilian Kolbe
St. Maxmilian Kolbe (Mt. 18:15-20)
During the pontificate of John Paul II many people were canonized who died in the concentration camps in World War II. Perhaps this was because Pope John Paul II lived amidst the horror of this war as a teen. Many of his neighbors disappeared never to be seen again. Some of these individuals were Jewish, some had physical disabilities. Priests and religious were sent to the concentration camp as well.
Maxmilian Kolbe was born in Poland in 1894. Kolbe joined the Conventual Franciscan when he was young. He went to Japan where he spent time as a missionary.
When he returned to Poland, he helped found a movement called Militia Immaculatae which was all about renewal. He also worked in the media. He organized newspapers and a radio station. Eventually Germany occupied Poland. The Nazis wanted to destroy the Polish culture. One of the main symbols of that culture was the Catholic Church.
Maxmilian Kolbe tried to relieve suffering in various ways during the war. His friary was first used as a hospital. Later the Conventual Franciscans sheltered 2,000 Jews. Kolbe was arrested and accused of helping the underground in 1941. He was taken to the death camp at Auschwitz. He was stripped of his habit and imprisoned with others. He was not given recognition as a priest. He continued his ministry as best he could.
When prisoners were trying to escape or would misbehave, they were tortured or put to death. Maximilian is remembered for volunteering to take the place of a prisoner who was slated for death. Fr. Kolbe volunteered to die because he said he did not have a family. The man he saved lived for many years after the war and he was at Fr. Kolbe’s canonization. Maxmillian Kolbe imitated Christ even to the point of laying down his life for others.
Reflection Questions:
1. Was Maxmillian Kolbe a martyr for the faith? What constitutes a martyr?
2. How do I lay down my life for others? Do I make heroic sacrifices?
Dear Parishioners,
Remember that this coming Thursday is a Holy Day of Obligation. This is a day when all Catholics should go to Mass. We will celebrate the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Mary was assumed body and soul to heaven after her death. She advocates for all of us.
Masses will be at 5:30 on the night before the Holy Day. We also will have Masses at 6:30 a.m., 8:00 a.m. and at 6 p.m. on Thursday. Come and pray for peace in our world.
Fr. Mark