Thank you, Lord, for St. Maximilian Kolbe

I recently commemorated the third anniversary of my consecration to Jesus through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, according to the way of St. Maximilian Kolbe. I made my Marian consecration on 27 June 2003, the feast of Our Lady of Perpetual Help. I recited the prayer of consecration in the Mother of Perpetual Help Chapel of the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception in Washington, DC.

It is sometimes not apparent, but the consecration I made that day was a life-changing experience. I have realized that little-by-little, Mary's intercession has been transforming me. This shouldn't be unexpected, however. For it was St. Maximilian Kolbe who said, "Wherever Thou dost enter, O Mary, Thou dost obtain the grace of conversion and growth in holiness."

Earlier this year, Human Life International launched a mini-site about St. Maximilian. This wonderfully-designed website gives some basic information about his life, and asks the visitor to "Take the Kolbe Challenge," which is making the Marian consecration. There are some wonderful quotes on the page, including:

The most deadly poison of our times 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

Most Catholics, and even non-Catholics, know about St. Maximilian's heroic death in Auschwitz. But little effort is made to learn about the great wisdom of the saint, and his tremendous devotion to Our Lady. I highly recommend the book, Kolbe: Saint of the Immaculata, edited by Brother Francis M. Kalvelage, FI. Its 35 chapters cover all aspects of his life and ministry.

May all come to learn about the "saint of the Immaculata," and be lead to love Our Lady as he did.


St. Maximilian Kolbe, pray for us!