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Dear Friends, Lent is a time that oers us an opportunity to consider all the ways in which we might grow closer to God. It is a time of reflection, prayer and fasting for 40 days as we prepare for Easter, the celebration of Jesus’s glorious resurrection from the dead. To help you in your Lenten journey this year, we are happy to provide you with this copy of Lent with Maximilian Kolbe, Daily Reflections by Carol Ann Morrow. I think you will enjoy learning about this saint of our times. If you would like an extra copy for a friend, you may contact us at 513-721-4700 and ask for Colleen or Dan. You may also email us at friarworks@ franciscan.org. Thank you for all you do to make our work possible. We welcome your feedback. Fr. John Visit us at www.stanthony.org or www.franciscan.org
Ash Wednesday
“This very day begin to serve God.… Live it as if it were, indeed, the last day.” —Maximilian Kolbe Our companion this Lent will be a saint less than a century removed from our times: Maximilian Kolbe, Polish patriot, Franciscan priest, founder, friend, ecumenist, publisher, missionary, and martyr. In the end, his body was reduced to ashes, becoming little more than the smudged cross on our forehead today. Kolbe’s beginnings were unremarkable, the middle son of devout Catholic parents who were weavers by trade. In his retreat before priestly ordination, Maximilian jotted down a long series of terse notes to himself, many about remaining in the moment, using it well, honoring the woman of faith he treasured most: Mary. Write a word or sentence now about your intention, not so much a resolution as a desire to journey this Lent with a hero who can encourage and inspire you. What is that choice? Praying with St. Maximilian
Saint of our times, guide us to recognize and embrace opportunities to increase our spiritual stamina. You relied on the Blessed Mother. We take her for our own. 3
Thursday after Ash Wednesday
“If there were no trials, there would be no struggle. Without a struggle, victory would be impossible and, without victory, there is no crown, no reward.” —Maximilian Kolbe
Young Raymond Kolbe was a fun-loving, even boisterous child. One day, his mother exclaimed in exasperation, “I don’t know what’s going to become of you!” Her 10-year-old son took her concern quite literally. Troubled the rest of that day, he took the question to Our Lady: What would he become? Soon he became so serious that he worried his mother. She asked if Raymond was well. He shared this vision: The Virgin Mother had appeared, holding two crowns, one white and one red. The white meant purity; the red, martyrdom. Which did Raymond want? Both, he boldly answered. That vision, shared only with his mother, who later told others, shaped his life. Do you have a vision that can shape today? Might it include moments of struggle? Will you claim a victory? Praying with St. Maximilian
St. Maximilian, help us accept the trials this day may hold. Guide us to accept the more difficult choice, the more loving response. We choose victory. 4
Friday after Ash Wednesday
“Pray that I will love without any limits.”
—Letter
of Maximilian Kolbe to his mother, quoted in A Man for Others: Maximilian Kolbe, “The Saint of Auschwitz,” in the Words of Those Who Knew Him
At 16, Raymond and his older brother Francis secretly crossed the partition between Russian and Austrian Poland to enter the Franciscan minor seminary. Thirty years later, Karol Wojtyla would also use subterfuge to study for the priesthood. Neither accepted the limits war had imposed on their beleaguered nation. Nor was Raymond hindered by reticence. He was so grateful for the gift of faith and the love of Mary Immaculate that he engaged other students, teachers, and fellow train passengers in spiritual conversation quite easily. He wanted every human being on earth to know the Good News of Jesus Christ. Share this Good News with someone today. Praying with St. Maximilian
St. Maximilian, infuse us with the enthusiasm for faith that marked your life. Bless our minds to understand, our hearts to cherish and our lips to announce the confidence we have in the Gospel message. May we love without limits. 5
Saturday after Ash Wednesday
“You commanded us to become like little children, if we wish to enter the kingdom of heaven. You know well enough that a child needs a mother; for you yourself have established that law of love.” —Maximilian Kolbe
The seminarian who became Friar Maximilian Maria had an extraordinary devotion to Mary Immaculate. Not all the friars appreciated what they thought to be an excess, bordering on obsession. In 1917, he joined with six other student friars who shared his devotion to found the Militia of Mary Immaculate. He often called Our Lady “Mom” or “our little mother,” reminiscent of Jesus’s teaching us to call the Creator Abba, a familiar form of father. It also evokes Jesus’s words from the cross: “Behold your mother.” The humble friar described himself as “clinging tightly to Mary’s hand” in his trials, including a diagnosis of chronic tuberculosis. Thank God today for the Blessed Mother and for women who have mothered our souls. Praying with St. Maximilian
Champion of Mary, help us to be humble before the Mother of All Graces. Bless all mothers, especially those most in need of your love today. 6
First Sunday of Lent
“Let us be peaceful, peaceful, and not aspire to do more than Mary wants or faster than she wants. Let’s allow ourselves to be carried by her; she will think of everything; she will provide for all our spiritual and bodily needs. Let us offer her all our difficulties and discomforts, trusting that she will take better care of us than we can.” —Maximilian Kolbe
Liturgically, this Sunday begins the desert days of Lent. In his letter to another Franciscan, Kolbe exhorts those who join him in his “militia” to take their lead from Mary. He sees all seasons not only as occasions for prayer but also for action. Mary wants to guide us this Lent. Think of her as choosing chances for us to bear some trouble today and to be grateful for her guidance in doing so. This is the perfect season to wear the Miraculous Medal and to pray the words that surround Mary’s image, words revealed to St. Catherine Labouré in 1830, and frequently on the lips of Friar Maximilian. Praying with St. Maximilian
O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee. 7
First Monday of Lent
“Have a sense of duty, fulfill it well, without being concerned whether anyone is watching. Act instead with a noble ambition.” —Maximilian Kolbe
One commentator on our saint’s writings spoke of his “dark side,” his powerful leadership potential and his great ambition to be holy. In Kolbe’s writings, he often countered the call to power with the resolution to act in secret, as Jesus urges us in the Sermon on the Mount. Whatever Mary has chosen for you to do today, do it with dedication but without calling attention to yourselves or your actions. Lent is not the time to “feel” holy, but to act, as Maximilian says, with the ambition of being led by Mary toward her son, Jesus. Have a secret spiritual rendezvous. Praying with St. Maximilian
Knight of Mary, help us to be led in our Lenten journey by your example. We ask our Mother Mary to enthrone herself in our hearts so that we intuitively know how to choose well and act out of love. May our moments of prayer lead us to holy action. 8
First Tuesday of Lent
“Let us allow Mary to do in us and through us whatever she desires and she will surely accomplish miracles of grace, and we ourselves will become holy, great saints, very great saints, because we shall succeed in becoming like her, and by means of us she will win over the entire world and every individual soul.” —Maximilian Kolbe
Friar Maximilian founded a City of Mary in Poland, which eventually held nearly 700 friars. His vision was that Cities of Mary be founded all over the world. He himself founded another near Nagasaki, Japan, and had laid some groundwork in India as well. He was an evangelist like Paul, but with a love for Mary like that of the Apostle John. Today’s headline news undoubtedly announces trouble in a location far from our homes and experience. Carry that city’s cross in your heart today. Travel there with Mary, who is Queen of the Universe, and mother to us all. Praying with St. Maximilian
Apostle of Mary, expand our worldview. Help us to love those outside our personal and national borders and outside our experience. We embrace them in prayer. 9
First Wednesday of Lent
“We must strive to love Jesus as Mary loved him…. This is the very height of love and towards this summit we must tend. We must win the whole world for that love.” —Maximilian Kolbe As Mary’s champion, Kolbe often uses emphatic phrases, such as “must strive” and “must win.” He felt that he could only grow his own love for Jesus by entering into the profound experience of Mary’s love for her son. The Mother of Jesus never knew the spiritual disability that is original sin. She knew her Son in ways we children of Eve will only know after death. Today, consider the love Mary poured out on a child, a son she knew was of the Holy Spirit. Ponder the pain she experienced when that love was not shared and her Son suffered and died at the hands of humanity. Express your love for Jesus today as you walk with him toward Calvary. Praying with St. Maximilian
Mother Mary Immaculate, Jesus is your Son. We are striving to love Jesus as you did. You followed him from the crib to the cross. We want the world to recognize its Savior. 10
First Thursday of Lent
“Let us always remember that we come to know the Immaculate better through humble prayer and in the loving experience of our daily life than by means of learned definitions, distinctions and arguments.” —Maximilian Kolbe Maximilian wrote to the brothers in Poland from the mission he called the Garden of the Immaculate in Nagasaki. Though he had doctoral degrees in philosophy and theology, he expressed his love for Jesus and Mary in simple terms. He felt that prayer would keep his faith strong and action would demonstrate it to others. He collaborated with a Buddhist priest, a Protestant pastor, and a man who described himself as “faithless.” His respect for others, the camaraderie he encouraged, and the effort he expended despite bouts with tuberculosis, led many to embrace the faith. Today’s prayer must plunge us into life with hearts open to physical, emotional and spiritual need. Praying with St. Maximilian
Mother Mary, help us show everyone we meet today that we are believers. Keep us humble, as you and your Beloved Son were humble. Show us how to give of our time, energy and love to your people. 11
First Friday of Lent
“When there is opposition meet it; in spite of it draw more closely to the Immaculate, speak to her as a little child. Submit all to her will. Whether she wishes to give us sweets or feed us on aridity, do not mind. Be near her with your will, folded in her arms.” —Maximilian Kolbe
Opposition, as Kolbe calls it, can come from many directions. Especially in a season of penance, our bodies can rebel against any hint of hardship, any uncomfortable or unfamiliar choices. Today is the First Friday of the month. Mary’s champion gave the Miraculous Medal freely to friends and strangers during his life. The reverse side has symbols of the Sacred Heart crowned with thorns and the Immaculate Heart pierced with a sword, signs of suffering. Have we armed our loved ones with such a medal? Rest in Mary’s arms and ask her help in overcoming opposition, whether internal or external. Praying with St. Maximilian
O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee. 12
First Saturday of Lent
“I, repentant sinner, cast myself at your feet, humbly imploring you to take me with all that I am and have, whole to yourself as your possession and property. Make of me, of all my powers of soul and body, of my whole life, death and eternity, whatever most pleases you.” —Maximilian Kolbe, Act of Total Consecration to the Immaculata
As founder of the Knights of the Immaculata, Kolbe wrote these words of consecration early in life and lived by them to the end. He envisioned Mary’s Knights in three degrees: as individuals, as collaborators and a third degree he saw as unlimited. In his view, such a person’s life would be permeated by a Marian consciousness, reliant on Mary’s guidance to reap the maximum spiritual harvest. He placed his written requests and intentions beneath the feet of a Marian image. He also recommended three Hail Marys morning and evening. As this first week of Lent concludes, let us consider how and where Mary has led us. Praying with St. Maximilian
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among women and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. 13
Second Sunday of Lent
“There are things that can only be learned kneeling.” —Maximilian Kolbe, quoted in André Frossard, “Forget Not Love”: The Passion of Maximilian Kolbe
This Sunday’s Gospel relates three apostles’ experience of the Transfiguration of Jesus. The three fell to the ground in fear. This was neither the posture nor the attitude that Jesus wished, and he asked them to rise. Maximilian advises a posture which he believes expresses an attitude. This attitude is humble, even wordless. For Kolbe, it was often just the one word: Mary. During this second week, kneel or bow for a moment or more. Say nothing. Let posture reveal a thirst to know the Son of Mary, the Beloved Son of God. Praying with St. Maximilian
Kneeling, we whisper your name, O Most Holy Mother. Like a Knight before a great Lady, we bow, we beg, we bring the poor gift of ourselves, body and soul. Transfigure this self into what pleases you most. We surrender.
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Second Monday of Lent
“Avoid all those words which can draw down on you glory, esteem or the appreciation of others.” —Maximilian Kolbe
Not a powerful preacher, not a gifted writer, Maximilian respected the power of the word, especially the Word made flesh. This is the language he spoke best. He knew that the simple truths of faith didn’t require ornamentation or oratory. He never spoke to draw attention to himself. He was quite powerful in his one-on-one exchanges, which were not about himself, but about his faith-filled beliefs. He was known to plant seeds of conversion in strangers sitting near him on the train. His words mirrored his prayer and flowed from his conversations with Mary and her Son. Swallowing words about achievements or honors and replacing them with questions of interest and concern for others is a spiritual exercise. Such words can bless others. We can carry that blessing. Praying with St. Maximilian
Bless our tongues, O Woman wrapped in silence. May we give voice to prayers of the heart. May we speak of peace and hope and soothe those who are troubled. 15
Second Tuesday of Lent
“Rejoice over the intoxicating harmony of love.” —Maximilian Kolbe
In a letter to the friars in Nagasaki, whom he misses as a father misses his sons, Maximilian sounds nothing like the image in many photos. Those who tried to capture a leader they loved recount that a man who was always smiling and had a very pleasant demeanor seemed to fade before a camera lens. In many snapshots, he looks stern, even cross. In this letter, however, he speaks of affection, sweetness and joy, despite suffering from seasickness as he begins his return from Japan to Poland. He calls himself the friars’ “mother.” He experiences the life of God flowing through Jesus to Mary and into human hearts. It catapults him into happiness even when “billows tossed the ship about.” Rough “seas” may come our way today, but we can keep an even keel because we feel the love of God flowing through us. Praying with St. Maximilian
Jesus, you calmed the waters for your followers. Help us to sail through the day, rejoicing in the harmony of love. 16
Second Wednesday of Lent
“I wish that you may never be perturbed, never grow frightened, never be afraid of anything. Is the Immaculate, perhaps, not aware of all that is going on? If she weren’t, then we would really have cause for alarm.” —Maximilian Kolbe Friar Maximilian is writing to the friars in Japan from his post in Poland, in response to their greetings. Germany, Poland’s neighbor, had become the Reich. Japan and China were at war. Both Cities of the Immaculate are surrounded by militarism. Kolbe urges his brothers to be at peace. During this season of repentance, conflicts continue in the Middle East; the European Union is threatened by Brexit; the United States and China engage in economic warfare. The Knight of Mary calls for an end to fear in his era and ours. Make today’s news in print or other media a litany. Place the violence, the tragedy, the disasters in Mary’s hands. Be not afraid. Praying with St. Maximilian
Mother of the Universe, you know the dangers we your children face around the world. We place all the world’s troubles in your loving arms. Cover us with your mantle of peace. 17
Second Thursday of Lent
“So let us pray. Let us endure our little crosses. Let us love very much the souls of all our neighbors without any exception, friends or enemies.” —Maximilian Kolbe
While many other friars joined Kolbe in the Militia of the Immaculate, some thought him a pious, sentimental dreamer. Beyond the Order, he engaged people of all faiths and none in conversations about faith—on the train, in the streets, in the sanatorium where he was sent for treatment of his tuberculosis. When Germany invaded Poland and quickly established dominance, the presses of the City of the Immaculate were suppressed and Maximilian and 35 friars were arrested After three months internment, Kolbe was released and opened the friary as a refuge for both Jews and Christians suffering under Nazi rule. He invited the local commandant for a tour. This season and this saint urge us to enlarge our circle to include someone we find difficult to welcome. Praying with St. Maximilian
Immaculate Heart of Mary, we want to love our neighbors, but we make exceptions. Enlarge our hearts. 18
Second Friday of Lent
“Mary gave us the Miraculous Medal, so this is our weapon with which to strike hearts.” —Maximilian Kolbe
The Militia of the Immaculata offers a web presence with a history of the Miraculous Medal, the design of which was revealed to St. Catherine Labouré of Paris in 1830. Maximilian and all the Knights of Mary wore this medal and shared them with friends and strangers. It was and is an external sign of their consecration to Mary. While it need not be a part of our Lenten attire, it serves as a reminder of Kolbe’s own dependence on Mary Immaculate and of the prayer which came so often to his lips. Mary’s sinless humanity gave Maximilian great comfort. That a human being could be raised to such heights awed him and led him to trust Mary to lead him, a sinner, to her Son Jesus. The medal can remind us to trust as well and to invoke the prayer that Mary gave to St. Catherine Labouré. Praying with St. Maximilian
O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee. 19
Second Saturday of Lent
“He who is God, supreme holiness, gives himself to the Immaculate without reserve and becomes her son. He chose her to guide him as she pleased for 30 years of his earthly life. Do we perhaps need a more encouraging example?” —Maximilian Kolbe
With Mary and her Knight Maximilian as our companions, we reach the end of a second week. Under Kolbe’s influence, Mary has become our mentor and ever more our mother. Since she wants us to be like her Son, she is eager to guide us. The Conventual Franciscans, the branch to which Kolbe belonged, had rosaries hanging from their corded belts. He prayed many a decade on his. He also loved the Memorare. But, from the time of his novitiate, he recited this Marian prayer from the third century. He recognized it as evidence from the early Church that Mary was honored as both mother and intercessor. We choose her as our own. Praying with St. Maximilian
We fly to thy patronage, O holy Mother of God; despise not our petitions in our necessities, but deliver us always from all dangers, O glorious and blessed Virgin. Amen. 20
Third Sunday of Lent
“Jesus, Mary and Francis were Maximilian Kolbe’s three great loves, that is, the secret of his heroic charity: ‘Only love creates,’ he repeated to all those who approached him.” —Pope John Paul II
Both Francis of Assisi and Raymond of Pabianice (Poland) had dreams of chivalry. Both became knights of a spiritual order. The two were creative dreamers. Francis thought, at first, that he was to rebuild a physical church. When Raymond became Friar Maximilian, he longed to strengthen the spirituality of his branch of the Franciscans. As little poor men, each strengthened the universal Church by living the gospel life to the full and inspiring many to follow them. “Only love creates.” We allow the love of God to work its creativity in us this Lent. How will we express that love? Praying with St. Maximilian
We embrace you, Lord Jesus, and choose the Lenten path on which you lead us. We want to love mightily, creatively, tenderly. We beg you to strengthen our resolve and give us eyes to see and hearts to follow where you lead. 21
Third Monday of Lent
“Jesus exhorts us not to be sad in doing penance, but to make our penance spring from love.” — Maximilian Kolbe
Jesus said to take up our cross(es) and follow him. He also encouraged us to make those crosses invisible to others as much as possible. Friar Maximilian was sure that everyone’s life is “strewn with little crosses.” Many are linked to our health or to our responsibilities in life. Whatever these penances might be, choosing to smile and embrace them is possible with Mother Mary’s help. Kolbe challenges us to stay tuned to God’s will with its opportunities for what he calls “a prolific source of penance.” To Jesus, Mary, Francis, and Maximilian, it is a great joy to “give proof of disinterested love.” Make loving choices today to welcome a little extra trial or two—with a smile. Praying with St. Maximilian
Mother of All Saints, when we see you leading us toward a more challenging path, we want to say yes. Along this path, we see flowers of opportunity we can gather and give to you. Open the eyes of our heart to see and choose them. 22
Third Tuesday of Lent
“Avoid sadness and worry, because there really is no reason to be sad. Is the world not governed by divine Providence?” —Maximilian Kolbe If Mary’s champion in war-torn Poland wasn’t worried, who are we to fret? In his 1941 letter to another friar in Nagasaki, Maximilian, ever fatherly, urged serenity even though violence threatened every day. In 1939, he had been arrested and held in an internment camp for about three months. Upon his release, did he become fearful, anxious and secretive about his publishing ministry? No. He went to the German officials several times to gain permission to publish one issue of Knight of the Immaculate. It would be the last under his editorial direction. What worries us? What saddens us? Are we able to affect the outcomes? Let us take it to prayer, just as Kolbe did. Praying with St. Maximilian
We listen to you, Jesus, as you urge us not to be distressed or fearful. Our world seems crowded with sorrow, fear and violence. If our gentle Mother Mary inspires us to act, show us how. If we cannot affect the outcome, give us peace. 23
Third Wednesday of Lent
“I had heard…that monks are very stiff and serious…. The truth I saw was completely different—man serving God with joy.” —Brother Lawrence Podwapinski, quoted in A Man for Others
Maximilian Kolbe was a follower of Francis of Assisi. In Patricia Treece’s biography of Kolbe, based on her interviews and the testimony of those who knew him, she heard much that imitates the life of Francis. Brother Lawrence, cited above, reported that in Nagasaki Kolbe and Brother Zeno Zebrowski had between them one coat and one pair of shoes. The one who needed to go out wore them. The other went barefoot. Maximilian was known to sleep on a bed of straw or wood shavings. Offered his own coat, he declined, not wanting something other friars lacked. How can we simplify our lives? Is it what we wear, what comforts us or what warms us? Can we serve God with joy, yet let go of something today? Praying with St. Maximilian
Mother Mary, we want to be your servants. We want to depend on you and your Son. Help us learn how to have less yet be more joyful. 24
Third Thursday of Lent
“If we knew the depth of our poverty, we would not be at all surprised by our falls, but rather astonished, and we would thank God, after sinning, for not allowing us to fall even deeper and still more frequently.” —Maximilian Kolbe, quoted in “Forget Not Love”: The Passion of Maximilian Kolbe
St. Francis and his follower Maximilian knew themselves to be sinners, though we call them saints. Our weak humanity convinces us often that we are sinners, far from saints. Kolbe feared the sin of pride, but he told himself and his brothers not to be discouraged by guilt. He was sure that falls would keep us humble. He asked not to be raised by his own virtue, but by “Mary’s grace and tenderness…so that more and more [we] will recognize in us the features of the face his Mother gave Jesus” (Frossard). Today, we beg forgiveness and give thanks that our falls grow less frequent. Praying with St. Maximilian
Son of Mary, we want to be your hands and feet on earth. We thank you that we are sometimes able. We beg forgiveness for the times we are not. 25
Third Friday of Lent
“Blessing the electric power machine, he addressed it in the language of St. Francis: ‘Brother Motor! What ought I to wish him? To print well? I wish him to serve our Blessed Queen and Mother faithfully.’” —Friar John Burdyszek, quoted in A Man for Others
St. Francis of Assisi composed the Canticle of the Sun in the awareness that the Earth was a gift, that he was part of creation and knew it as brother and sister. Centuries later, Friar Maximilian’s worldview extended to inventions created to serve humanity. Thus he blessed the City of the Immaculate’s new generator not because it would serve him, but because it would energize the presses that spread the news about Mary and the graces that flowed from her holy hands to the world, opening hearts to her Son. Today, consider the time-saving devices that are our daily experience. Bless them all for the service of the Lord and his holy Mother. Praying with St. Maximilian
Praised be you, my Lord, in all your creatures and in the human inventions that serve to praise you as we use them for good and worthy purposes. 26
Third Saturday of Lent
“I went out into the streets of Krakow to beg a little money to print the first issue.…I still felt too embarrassed to go in anywhere and ask for alms. But the next day I thought to myself, ‘You are not doing it for yourself, but for the cause of the Immaculate in souls.’” —Maximilian Kolbe While Kolbe was allowed to pursue his vision of using modern communication to evangelize the world, his superiors could not finance it. Like St. Francis, Maximilian was undaunted by lack of funds. He trusted his Mother. To take the first issue to a printer, he needed a down payment of 500 marks. Passing through the church, he found an envelope on Mary’s altar, with “For the Immaculate” written on the outside. In it? 500 marks! Today, give something away. Trust Mary to point the way to that gift. Praying with St. Maximilian
Today, we lay wealth, possessions, power and security before you, Jesus. You have blessed us not only with outer wealth, but with faith in you and your holy Mother. All that we have, we want to use in your service. 27
Fourth (Laetare) Sunday of Lent
“His passion, his torment, was for three main things: the union of the Churches, the purity of the peoples’ way of life, and the sharing of all persons in the holiness of God. For these goals, his energies flowed.” —Friar Alberto Arzili, quoted in A Man for Others
Biographer Patricia Treece states that Kolbe’s passion didn’t lead him to condemn. He was open to the potential in everything. He engaged with nonbelievers with a tact that grew as he aged. He wanted to build on the best in everybody and in every system. That is how the fervent friar came to see mass communications as a way to reach around the world. He didn’t want to condemn but to engage the trends of the day. The press became his pulpit. He saw it as a powerful venue for achieving his Marian mission. What sparks our spiritual energy? How will we communicate it today? Praying with St. Maximilian
Mary, we want to be like your Son. We want the whole world to be in love with God. Help us direct our passion where it will count the most. 28
Fourth Monday of Lent
“The most important penance is the good and faithful fulfillment of one’s daily occupations.” —Maximilian Kolbe
Maximilian wrote a section on penance in his spiritual reflections on the religious life. While this seems predictable in such a document, Kolbe’s theme may well have been influenced by St. Bernadette of Lourdes, whose visions of Mary are well documented. Bernadette said that the woman who identified herself as the Immaculate Conception urged “penance, penance, penance.” The young woman’s subsequent life was marked by humble service and physical pain. She embraced both as “good for heaven.” Mary’s devoted friar shared that conviction. Today, we will embrace our daily routine in a spirit of love, especially its most mundane tasks. Praying with St. Maximilian
Jesus, through the Immaculate Heart of Mary, we offer you this day our prayers, works, joys and sufferings. We want to be your good and faithful servants.
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Fourth Tuesday of Lent
“Mary is God’s mother in us also.…She makes us mothers of God bearing Jesus Christ in human souls. What an exaltation!” —Maximilian Kolbe “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem.…How often have I yearned to gather your children, as a mother bird gathers her young under her wings …” Jesus expressed his longing in Matthew’s Gospel. His friar follower yearned to gather all nations under the wings of faith. To this end, he founded the Knights of Mary Immaculate, hoping to found a Marian stronghold in every nation, gathering God’s children. Kolbe knew it would take many evangelists, but he was proud to carry Mary’s banner and nurture spiritual believers as a mother nurtures growing children. Today, let us not be miserly in our love of God. The penance which we practice this Lent enables us to cultivate a life of faith in others. Call that life forth by recognizing and acknowledging it in another human soul. “What an exaltation!” Praying with St. Maximilian
Jesus, you have gathered us under your wing. From this place of protection and comfort, we can see the good in others. Help us to affirm, to praise and to strengthen that good. 30
Fourth Wednesday of Lent
“My dear children, I wish for you to be nourished by the milk of Mary’s graces and tenderness, to be raised by her as she raised Jesus, our older Brother, so that more and more he will recognize in us the features of the face his Mother gave him.” —Maximilian Kolbe, quoted in “Forget Not Love”: The Passion of Maximilian Kolbe
The Feast of the Annunciation celebrates the day Mary, conceived without sin, gave her saving yes: “I am the servant of the Lord. Let it be done to me as you say.” This had to be a pivotal feast for Maximilian, Knight of the Immaculate. Her sustained yes to the Holy Spirit gave Kolbe the impetus to say yes again and again. He wanted to be Mary’s child. He wanted her to recognize him as her son. During this midweek of Lent on this Marian feast, we again claim Mary as our Mother. Her mothering will sustain us as we move toward Calvary. Blessed are we who also trust in the Lord. Praying with St. Maximilian
My being proclaims the greatness of the Lord, my spirit finds joy in God my savior. 31
Fourth Thursday of Lent
“O good God…for me, you created the starry heavens; for me the earth, the seas, the mountains, the rivers and all the many lovely things found on this earth.” —Maximilian Kolbe Because Friar Maximilian was a journalist and a publisher, we have many examples of his style and his range of interests. Today’s citation is a meditation written in 1929 for the Knight of the Immaculate. In this meditation, he names many evidences of the gifts the God-man and his holy Mother have given to humanity. At its end, though, he says, the splendor of creation, the sacraments, the favors are generously matched by the interior peace and the strength to resist temptation that have been given to us. Today, we look out the window but also inward. “Powerful and good,” says Kolbe of the support he has known. What is our experience? And our thanks? Praying with St. Maximilian
Immaculate Mary, your praises we sing. We are both surrounded and infused with a beauty that awes us. We stretch out our hands. We open our hearts to see, to receive, to honor with our grateful Yes. 32
Fourth Friday of Lent
“Father Kolbe said, ‘The more you know, the better you can serve God.’ He believed in developing everyone’s talents and skills to the maximum.” —Brother Bart Kalucki, quoted in A Man for Others
Between 1936 and 1939, the City of the Immaculata in Poland grew to a population of nearly 800, the largest friary in the world, before or since. While its buildings were simple, the technology was advanced. The three presses produced 11 publications, including a daily newspaper. Plans for the future included a TV station and an airstrip to streamline mail delivery. Brother Bart said, “There was just a natural tendency to excel, because we all felt we were working for the glory of God.” We have knowledge, skills and talents. Friar Maximilian’s example inspires us to ask: Are we using them, developing them, remembering to build on them for the spreading of the Gospel message? Praying with St. Maximilian
Creator of the universe, thank you for all the talents that are ours. Give us energy to build on our gifts and use all that we are and have to honor Jesus and his holy Mother Mary. 33
Fourth Saturday of Lent
“Father Maximilian used to say there are three branches of the Christian apostolate: prayer, work, and suffering. Suffering is best because it gives egotism no occasion to grow.” —Brother Cyprian Grodzki, quoted in A Man for Others
During this Lent, we have dedicated ourselves to prayer, especially prayer to Jesus through Mary. We have pondered our work, wanting to honor the One who planted our capabilities within us. We have heard Maximilian speak of “little crosses.” Our ego itself might be our largest cross! Suffering bows our proud heads, as we admit to failures of irritability, anxiety, physical weakness and actual sin. Kolbe advised us to thank God that we are no worse. He may not have seen clearly the suffering that lay ahead for him, but in all things he relied on God to lift him. Today, we count on divine grace to admit our weaknesses, especially those caused by egotistical pride. Praying with St. Maximilian
We fail in your service, our God and Savior, when we rely on our own strength to excel. We wish to lift the cross in concert with you. Help us carry ours humbly. 34
Fifth Sunday of Lent
“I am scared of suffering and the thought of calamities…but even Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane was afraid. This comforts me.” — Maximilian Kolbe, quoted in A Man for Others
In earlier times, these last two weeks of Lent were also called Passiontide. Images of Jesus, Mary and the saints in the church were veiled from our eyes. It was as though we were left alone—like Jesus in Gethsemane. We are also entering the final passion of Maximilian Kolbe, who was transported to Auschwitz on May 28, 1941. This begins his personal journey to Calvary. Praying with St. Maximilian
With Jesus in the garden, we pray. We see a suffering world where injustice often triumphs. We have sometimes been shackled and disheartened by our failures and sins, but we want to watch with you. Bless those who are suffering alone. Bless those whose suffering nobody knows. Open our eyes. Open our hearts. Give us the strength to remain vigilant and prayerful as we relive your sacrifice for us. Most sorrowful Mother, help us know how to embrace any suffering you allow in our lives. 35
Fifth Monday of Lent
“Let us pray, bear little crosses, greatly love the souls of all our neighbors without exception, friends or enemies.” —Maximilian Kolbe The First Knight of the Immaculata called prayer, suffering and love the mission of his militia. Those in Auschwitz with him testified that he urged his fellow prisoners to pray for their jailers, to return good for evil. Known to be a priest, Kolbe was treated with special harshness. He was beaten, kicked and given impossible tasks. When others offered to help, he told them not to risk punishment themselves. “The Immaculata is helping me,” he assured them. At night, he heard confessions, consoled the dying and led prayer. This is a suitable time to seek out the Sacrament of Reconciliation. Ask forgiveness for any enmity. Release prejudice to make room for all-embracing love. Praying with St. Maximilian
The Way of the Cross is steep. We carry heavy burdens we want to release. Mary, just as you walked near Jesus, walk with us now. Help us let go of any mistrust of other races, religions or nationalities. God is One. We want to be one with all humanity. 36
Fifth Tuesday of Lent
“With Mary’s help, let us repeat that for her sake we are ready for anything: all kinds of work, sufferings, humiliations, death due to hunger or other causes.” —Maximilian Kolbe In 1933, Mary’s champion did not know that a starvation bunker was in his future. But he intended to be “ready for anything.” No one could imagine that orders to stack human corpses and take them to be burned would be in anyone’s nightmares, yet this was among the tasks given to Maximilian. He cautioned other prisoners not to hate their captors, but to love them. “Only love is creative,” he whispered. “Hate destroys.” Are we ready for any task? We may be criticized today. Can we welcome the negative? Are we ready for death itself since we have made this Lent a cleansing experience? Praying with St. Maximilian
Pray for us, O Holy Mother of God. We wish to return good for evil, love for hate, to be lifegivers, never death-dealers. Gift us with the grace to be ready for anything, however humbling. Be with us at our hour of death. 37
Fifth Wednesday of Lent
“In case of a fall, never be sad, because this is stinking pride. Rise immediately and go forward with great love and joy of spirit! Repair the fall with a perfect act of love.” —Maximilian Kolbe When we make the Way of the Cross, we traditionally remember three falls. When Kolbe spoke of falls, he meant pride, “stinking” pride, which is harsher language than he typically employed. While Jesus fell forward, we are prone to fall down, that is, to feel ashamed. But Maximilian urges us to remember the love of the God-man and to rise, to go forward just as Jesus did—with love. Praying with St. Maximilian
Lift us up, O Lord, when we fall, when we fail. Restore our joy of spirit. We are humbled by continued weakness and stupid, stinking stumbles. But you and your holy Mother reach out to lift and lead us in the way of love. It is humbling to know that we can’t carry the cross alone, but we are still confident we can reach the end of our journey and your heavenly embrace.
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Fifth Thursday of Lent
“We became aware someone among us in this spiritual dark night of the soul was raising the standard of love on high.” —Auschwitz prisoner George Bielecki, quoted in A Man for Others
Friar Maximilian had raised the standard of love in Poland and Japan. He had visited India in hopes of establishing a City of Mary there. Latvia was also on his missionary radar. When war began, the goal to conquer the world under the banner of the Immaculate was blocked by forces contrary to the Gospel. Kolbe simply took the path presented to him and his faithful friars, who harbored and fed refugees. When the Nazis came for him, he invited them in as guests. At Auschwitz, he continued his quiet quest to exemplify and encourage love and forgiveness behind electrified barbed wire built by prejudice and hatred. Praying with St. Maximilian
Mary, our mother, we are in a prison of our own making at times. Rescue us from inner darkness, discouragement and fear. When we are held hostage by others through circumstance or abuse of power, free our souls. May the banner of love be our only weapon. 39
Fifth Friday of Lent
“Among other occasions of merit we may mention the irritation provoked by other people. With what blessed hope we can in such cases repeat on every occasion the words of the ‘Our Father’…the very prayer which Jesus taught us. Hence our complete pardon of others’ offenses against us suffices to obtain for us the right to be pardoned for the faults we have committed against God.” —Maximilian Kolbe Irritation, Maximilian calls it. The presses had been shut down by the occupying Germans. Rather than publishing, the Franciscan brothers are running the district milk-processing plant and the novitiate has become a Red Cross hospital. Writing to the friars in Japan, Kolbe emphasizes that the value of the City of the Immaculata depends on the friars’ life of prayer. Irritations? “Forgive at once,” he says. At Auschwitz, he says the same. Love will make everything else “effective.” He seems to welcome injuries which he can absolve. Little crosses may dot the hours of this day. Have we been prayerful enough to offer forgiveness? Praying with St. Maximilian
Our Father, forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. 40
Fifth Saturday of Lent
“Hate is not creative; only love is creative. These sufferings will not cause us to crumble but will help us more and more to become stronger. They are necessary, even—together with the sacrifices of others—so that the ones who come after us will be happy.” —Maximilian Kolbe to Joseph Stemler, fellow prisoner in Auschwitz, quoted in A Man for Others
Intellectuals were targeted by the Nazis. Joseph Stemler had headed the Polish Education Department and was imprisoned at Auschwitz a month before Maximilian came. At night, Stemler sought out Kolbe to be his confessor. The friar counseled him to pardon the guards. At first, he rebelled. Are we held captive by an obstinate habit of sin, a failure to forgive, a lingering hatred? Only love creates. Praying with St. Maximilian
Sorrowful Mother Mary, protect us from the weaknesses of our humanity. Help us to accept trials that strengthen our moral muscles. Unite us with others who suffer. May we recognize ourselves as your children, working toward a world where love conquers hate. May this be our legacy for the generations that come after us. 41
Palm Sunday
“I was stunned and could hardly grasp what was going on. The immensity of it: I, the condemned, am to live and someone else willingly and voluntarily offers his life for me—a stranger. Is this some dream or reality?” —Francis Gajowniczek, fellow prisoner at Auschwitz, quoted in A Man for Others
Holy Week: It begins. For Maximilian, it began in a parade of 599 men. Which 10 will be sentenced to starvation because the 600th man had escaped? Francis Gajowniczek has a family. He hopes to see them again—until he is chosen for death. He begs for mercy. Mary’s champion becomes Gajowniczek’s as well. “I want to die in place of this prisoner,” says Kolbe. St. Paul writes, “It is rare that anyone should lay down his life for a just man, though it is barely possible that for a good man someone may have the courage to die” (Romans 5:7). Today we say Hosanna to the King. How will we stay the course toward Calvary this week? Praying with St. Maximilian
Lord God, you have saved us from death. Guide us on the path to life. 42
Monday of Holy Week
“Kolbe was a great mystic, and thus an incendiary who set fire to all wood, from the heavy crosses of sickness to the twigs of daily aggravations. And when stripped of everything at Auschwitz he had nothing else to burn, without hesitation he gave up what remained of his own body to the slow combustion of hunger and thirst.” —André Frossard, “Forget Not Love”: The Passion of Maximilian Kolbe
Maximilian is 37 years old. Nearly three decades earlier, he claimed two crowns from his Madonna: the crowns of purity and martyrdom. Now his commitment is complete. We recall the Tenth Station of the Cross: Jesus is stripped of his garments. Mary’s champion is stripped of his prison stripes and thrown naked into a basement with his nine companions. Prisoner 1192, who survived as an interpreter, swore that Kolbe led prayers and hymns that could be heard even in adjoining cells. This week, let us pray aloud and lead our family in prayer at meals and bedtime. Praying with St. Maximilian
Jesus, we would be stripped of our cowardice in proclaiming you as Lord. Give us courage to proclaim you as Savior. 43
Tuesday of Holy Week
“Dearest children, in difficulties, doubts, weaknesses and discouragement, let us think of heaven…heaven is near. Every day it is nearer. So have courage! Mary is waiting there to press us to her heart.” —Maximilian Kolbe As Mary’s champion led the rosary from a bunker filled with difficulties and discouragement beyond imagination, biographers describe his courage. His weakened companions lay on the concrete floor. He—tubercular, emaciated— was either standing or kneeling. Two months earlier, Maximilian had written to his mother: “Don’t worry, dear Mama, about me and my health, for the good Lord is everywhere and thinks with much love about each of us.…I do not know how long I will be staying.” Nor do we. Today, we also think of heaven. What do we need to change to assure ourselves that it will be ours? Be brave. Ask Mary’s help by praying the Sorrowful Mysteries. Praying with St. Maximilian
Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us now and at the hour of our death. 44
Wednesday of Holy Week
“A single act of love makes the soul return to life. Let us often make use of this means. In practice this is not so very difficult, because the essence of such an act is a love ready for sacrifice.” —Maximilian Kolbe Locked in the starvation bunker, without food or water, Maximilian’s companions echoed Jesus’ cry from the cross, “I thirst,” as they died. At the end of two weeks, four companions remained. Kolbe’s example of serenity, resignation and prayerfulness had made their mark. Like the good thief on Calvary, they hoped to gain heaven. The 14th day was the vigil of the Assumption, when Mary lay dying, longing to be reunited with her Son. Today, make many acts of love: love of Jesus on the cross, love of neighbors and coworkers who need to know our concern, yes, our love. Praying with St. Maximilian
Jesus, you hung on the cross for three long hours. We embrace the little crosses, the sacrifices you ask of us today. We join your Holy Mother, looking on at a distance. Draw us close to your heart. Teach us a love that enlarges our own. 45
Holy Thursday
“To say that Father Kolbe died for one of us or for that person’s family is too great a simplification. His death was the salvation of thousands…a shock full of optimism, regenerating and giving strength; we were stunned by his act, which became for us a mighty explosion of light in the dark camp night.” —George Bielecki, fellow prisoner, quoted in A Man for Others
Death would not come to the final four prisoners, so the impatient guards asked the hospital to send an executioner armed with syringes filled with carbolic acid. For these four, it would be the sting of death. Maximilian Kolbe, according to a witness, lifted up his arm to accept the injection. Ten seconds later, the poison reached his mighty heart. August 14 would become his feast day. He would celebrate Mary’s Assumption in heaven. For us, it is the feast of the Holy Eucharist, the feast of Christ’s body given up for us. Join others at the table today. Praying with St. Maximilian
Oh Lord, we are not worthy, yet we come because you asked us to remember you in the breaking of the bread. Amen. 46
Good Friday
“Maximilian Kolbe didn’t just give his life for me. He gave it for the world.” —Franciszek Gojowniczek, interviewed in St. Anthony Messenger
Auschwitz prisoner Franciszek Gojowniczek felt unworthy that he was saved at the cost of such a holy priest’s life. He knew how saddened many other prisoners were to lose someone who had set them an example of courage, serenity and love. He was so depressed that a fellow inmate scolded him, saying, “Take hold of yourself! Is the priest to die for nothing?” Today, we remember the death of Jesus for us. Don’t let it be for nothing. We enfold ourselves in this mighty love. We choose to be silent as we remember. Praying with St. Maximilian
Father, into your hands we commend our spirits. Thank you for the sacrifice of your Son. Thank you for the sacrifice of your servant, Maximilian Kolbe, whom we now call saint. Thank you, our Savior, that from the cross you gave us your Mother to be ours as well. We sign ourselves in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Amen. 47
Holy Saturday
“I would like to be ground to dust for the Immaculate Virgin and have this dust be blown away by the wind all over the world.” —Maximilian Kolbe, quoted in A Man for Others
Though his fellow prisoners begged to bury the man who exemplified goodness in the face of evil, his captors would have none of it. On August 15, the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Maximilian Kolbe was cremated. At the beginning of the Easter Vigil, fire is blessed. In the “Canticle of the Sun,” Francis of Assisi praised Brother Fire “who lights up the night, beautiful and playful, robust and strong.” His follower has lighted our way through this Lent. From the dark ashes of that first Wednesday, we hold out the candle of our Easter selves to receive the light of Christ. We renew the promises of our Baptism, fanning the flame of love which has grown steadily during these 40 days. Praying with St. Maximilian
We reject all that is evil and embrace all that is good. Help us to walk as children of light. 48
Easter Sunday
“Does not this death—faced spontaneously, for love of man—constitute a particular fulfillment of the words of Christ? Does not this death make Maximilian particularly like unto Christ—the Model of all Martyrs—who gives his own life on the Cross for his brethren? Does not this death possess a particular and penetrating eloquence for our age? Does not this death constitute a particularly authentic witness of the Church in the modern world?” —Pope John Paul II, canonization homily
Now that we have walked with Maximilian Kolbe through this Lent, we know him as a saint of our times, able to be holy in times of peace or war, before the tabernacle or in a concentration camp. As we celebrate the Resurrection of Jesus, in whose footsteps St. Maximilian followed, we ask to be witnesses to and imitators of this vibrant faith. Praying with St. Maximilian
O Immaculata…please make of me, of all my powers of soul and body, of my whole life, death and eternity, whatever most pleases you. If it pleases you, use all that I am and have without reserve. 49
Cover and book design by Mark Sullivan All quotations from Maximilian Kolbe, unless otherwise indicated, are excerpted with permission from the publications of Marytown Press, Libertyville, Illinois. Quotations from André Frossard’s “Forget Not Love”: The Passion of Maximilian Kolbe are used with the permission of Ignatius Press. Quotations from Patricia Treece, A Man for Others: Maximilian Kolbe, the “Saint of Auschwitz” in the Words of Those Who Knew Him. Marytown Press, Libertyville, IL. 2013. Used with permission. ISBN: 978-1-63253-320-3 Copyright ©2020, by Franciscan Media All rights reserved. Published by Franciscan Media 28 W. Liberty St. Cincinnati, OH 45202 www.FranciscanMedia.org
Eight hundred years ago St. Francis of Assisi profoundly changed the world with his message of peace, his concern for the poor and his love for all creation. The 123 friars of St. John the Baptist Province (SJB) are members of the Order of Friars Minor, a Franciscan brotherhood serving the Catholic Church as brothers and priests. Friars from this Province, headquartered in Cincinnati, live and work in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Illinois, Louisiana, Michigan, Texas and Jamaica. Others serve in New Mexico, Arizona, Missouri, Mississippi, Florida, Virginia and Washington, D.C. Individual friars presently minister in the Philippines. Gifts supporting our work can be made by visiting www.stanthony.org or www.franciscan.org