Patron Saint of drug addicts, families, journalists, prisoners, and the pro-life  movement.

Saint Maximilian Kolbe, born Raymond Kolbe on January 8, 1894, in  Zdunska Wola, Poland, is celebrated for his extraordinary acts of faith and  charity. A Franciscan friar, he was known for his deep devotion to the  Immaculate Virgin Mary and his dedication to spreading the Gospel through  his publications and missions.

Kolbe entered the Franciscan Order and took the name Maximilian Mary,  establishing the Militia Immaculatae, a movement dedicated to promoting

the Catholic faith and Marian devotion. His work, particularly in founding the  "Niepokalanów" monastery, had a profound impact on evangelization  efforts in Poland.

During World War II, Kolbe's commitment to love and sacrifice was put to  the ultimate test. Arrested by the Nazis for his resistance activities and his  efforts to shelter persecuted Jews, he was imprisoned in Auschwitz. In July  1941, in a profound act of self-sacrifice, Kolbe volunteered to take the place  of a fellow prisoner condemned to die. He was executed by lethal injection  on August 14, 1941, a martyr for the faith.

Canonized in 1982 by Pope John Paul II, his life exemplifies the virtues of  selfless love, bravery, and unwavering faith, serving as a powerful witness  to the transformative grace of Christ.

Prayer: Saint Maximilian Mary Kolbe, you lived a holy life, sharing the  Gospel through the modern means of your time. You culminated your  service to God by laying down your life for a stranger. Please pray for me,  that I will have the depth of love that you had and that God will take that gift  of my life and use it for His glory. Saint Maximilian Mary Kolbe, pray for me.  Jesus, I trust in You.