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Born: January 8th, 1894, Kingdom of Poland, Russia
Died: August 14th, 1941, Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp, Poland
Feast Day: August 14th
Patron Saint of: drug addicts, prisoners, families, the pro-life movement
Quote: "For Jesus Christ I am prepared to suffer still more."
Fun Facts:
His birth name was Raymund Kolbe
He had a vision of the Virgin Mary at age 12
Kolbe recieved the name Maximilian after joining the Conventual Franciscans
He recieved a PhD in philosphy and theology
He organized the Army of the Immaculate One in order to convert sinners and enemies of the church
He was ordained in 1918
He published "Rycerz Niepokalanej", or Knight of the Immaculate
He founded monasteries in Japan and India, the monastery in Japan remaining an important part of the Japanese Catholic Church
He opened up a temporary hospital during the invasion of Poland during World War 2
During his time in Auschwitz, he led prayers to Our Lady with prisoners chosen for starvation
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I chose to research St Maximilian because, even though he faced certain death, he
persevered confidently with his faith and devotion to Christ. I admire how courageous
martyrs are, and their willingness to die for their beliefs is something most people might not
have the courage to do. This is also a testament to having strength in your faith.
St Maximilian is also an example of devotion. He devoted himself to spreading the faith
in many different countries.
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I want to imitate Saint Maximilian in my daily life by becoming more faithful.
Sometimes, I feel as if my faith has left me, this will come at completely random times.
I want to have the confidence in my faith so this never happens, or happens a lot less.
By becoming more devoted to the faith, I think these random times where I question myself
will not happen as often. I will also get into a closer relationship with God by doing this.