August 14, 2024, Feast of St. Maximilian Kolbe, Holy Rosary (Glorious Mysteries)

Friends of the Rosary, Today is the Memorial of Saint Maximilian Kolbe (1894-1941), a martyr and priest. Born in Zdunska Wola, Poland, as Raymond Kolbe, he consecrated himself to the Lord in the Franciscan Order. Filled with love for the Virgin, he founded the Militia of the Immaculata movement of Marian consecration. To better "win the world for the Immaculata," with his preaching and writing, undertook an intense apostolic mission in Europe and Asia. Imprisoned in Auschwitz during the Second World War, he offered himself in exchange for the father of a large family who was to be executed. He was given a lethal injection on August 14, 1941. Pope John Paul II canonized Maximilian as a "martyr of charity" in 1982, proclaiming him the "Patron Saint of Our Difficult Century. Maximilian, patron of the pro-life movement, was a ground-breaking theologian. He developed the Church's understanding of Mary as a "Mediatrix" of all the graces of the Trinity and as an "Advocate" for God's people. "For Jesus Christ, I am prepared to suffer more still," he said. Also, today, on the evening of August 14, the Vigil Mass for the Assumption is celebrated. Ave Maria!Jesus, I Trust In You!St. Maximiliam Kolbe, Pray for Us! Come, Holy Spirit, come! To Jesus through Mary! + Mikel Amigot | RosaryNetwork.com, New York