Novena to Saint Maximilian Kolbe August 2015 Pilgrims to Auschwitz In Celebration of the Victory of Love

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1 Novena to Saint Maximilian Kolbe August 2015 Pilgrims to Auschwitz In Celebration of the Victory of Love Father Kolbe Missionaries of the Immaculata. Introduction We desire to live this novena in preparation for August 14 on pilgrimage to Auschwitz where Father Kolbe lived no less than 100 days of his 47 years. Every step of our pilgrimage is an invitation to retrace the steps of Father Kolbe. In Auschwitz, he lived and witnessed the great truth: love is everywhere; love is the only creative force and the only force that can conquer evil. Father Kolbe, a pilgrim of the Absolute, a seeker of reason, tells us that to love is to give life. Love is the consummation of who we are and the gift of self is the art of living. There is no place we are dispensed from loving, nor where it is impossible to live and love the Gospel. Opening G. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen. Song to the Holy Spirit G. We praise you with great joy. We give you thanks and we adore you, O Lord our God, for you alone are the Holy One, you alone are the Lord, you alone are the Most High, Jesus Christ, with the Holy Spirit, in the glory of God the Father. Amen. A. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours, Lord our God. G. We sing to you, we bless you for the admirable host of saints that along the centuries have inspired the Church. A. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours, Lord our God. G. We entrust ourselves to Saint Maximilian's intercession, while we desire to imitate his luminous example. A. For the kingdom, the power and the glory are yours, Lord our God.

2 Psalm Final Prayer Prayer to Saint Maximilian O Saint Maximilian Mary Kolbe, faithful follower of Saint Francis of Assisi, inflamed by the love of God, you dedicated your life to the practice of virtue and to works of charity. Look kindly upon us who devoutly confide the following petitions to your intercession ( ). Having consecrated yourself to the Immaculate Virgin Mary, you founded the Mission of the Immaculata Movement so that Mary the Immaculata might lead countless souls to holiness by inspiring them to do good, avoid evil, and spread the Kingdom of God. Obtain for us, through her, the grace of drawing many souls to ChriSaint In your close conformity to our Divine Savior, you reached such an intense degree of charity that you offered your life to save that of a fellow prisoner. Implore God that we, inflamed by such ardent charity, may, through our faith and good works witness Christ's love for the world and merit to join you in the blessed vision of God. Amen. Three Hail Mary s in Polish or English (Hail Mary in polish, recited by John Paul II, published March 18, 2014) Zdrowaś Maryjo, łaski pełna, Pan z Tobą, błogosławionaś Ty między niewiastami i błogosławiony owoc żywota Twojego, Jezus. Święta Maryjo, Matko Boża, módl się za nami grzesznymi teraz i w godzinę śmierci naszej. Amen. Final Song

3 First Step Arrival at Auchwitz Concentration Camp On May 28, Father Maximilian was locked in a commercial train car with 300 prisoners and transported to Auschwitz. They arrived the same evening and were locked in a room of anguish for the night. By the next morning, he had become the number 16,670 and was assigned, being a priest, to the forced labor block. "As soon as the guards packed the men into the train car, locking the door, the silence of a tomb enwrapped us. However, as soon as the train began to move, someone intoned religious and national songs that many of us knew by heart. When I inquired who had begun the songs, I found that it was Father Maximilian Kolbe. The certainty of being transported to a concentration camp made us sick. However, we almost forgot our sad fate under the influence of the songs and discussions of Father Maximilian (Swies). "Whoever serves me must follow me, and where I am, there also will my servant be." John 12:26 - Saint Maximilian, a gift for others - Saint Maximilian, totally consecrated to the Mother of God - Saint Maximilian, man of prayer and contemplation Brief moment of silence: I reflect on my day.how have I lived the victory of love in my

4 Second Step Life in the camp Father Kolbe lived day after day hand in hand with God, and seemed to have a spiritual magnet that attracted us to him, God, and the Madonna. He insisted in saying that God is good and merciful. He wanted to convert the entire camp, even the Nazis. He not only prayed for them, but exhorted us to pray for their conversion. I remember one of his offerings. He gave his wooden shoes that were still in good condition to another prisoner, in exchange for the clogs of the peasant. (Enrico Sienkiewicz)...before eating he made the sign of the cross with devotion, not concerned that he could be seen by the comandante and his club. He did not seek lighter work. He always went where they sent him. (Dziuba) His words were simple and profound. He exhorted a strong faith in the victory of good. "Only love creates," he whispered, "These sorrows should not overwhelm us, but give us help to be strong. They are necessary so that whoever remains after us will be happy..." "You are the light of the world. A city set on a mountain cannot be hidden. Nor do they light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket; it is set on a lampstand, where it gives light to all in the house. Just so, your light must shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your heavenly Father." Mt 5:14-16

5 Saint Maximilian, luminous example of humility and gentleness Saint Maximilian, mirror of strength and purity Saint Maximilian, gift of God Father Kolbe Missionaries of the Immaculata. Third Step Work in the camp was assigned to block 17, as a laborer for the construction of a wall that would fence in the crematorium oven. It was a hard, heavy, exhausting work that required him to drag a heavy wagon of dirt and gravel under a flurry of stinging insults accompanied by kicks, pushes, and beatings. After, he was transferred to Babice, the wet and stony field, with the same status of a laborer with the duty to transport timber. An effort that surpassed his already reduced physical energy was required, leaving him to fall repeatedly. Kicks and a flood of curses put him back on his feet. The other priests, seeing him broken and bleeding, tried to help him and lighten the load. Father Kolbe replied, Do not expose yourself to beatings too. The Immaculata helps me. I am not alone." One day I was digging manure from a pit to carry into the fields. A friend of mine, being at the top, received the manure and threw it out. Suddenly, a guard came with a dog and began to strike him and sic the dog on him. The dog began to bite him repeatedly. The poor prisoner retained a surprising calm: not even letting out a moan. The prisoner said publicly that he was a priest. Only after Father Kolbe's death did we know that this poor prisoner was Saint Maximilian (Gajowniczek). Beloved, do not imitate evil* but imitate good. Whoever does what is good is of God; whoever does what is evil has never seen God" (3 Jn 1:11).

6 - Saint Maximilian, model of poverty and obedience - Saint Maximilian, friend of God - Saint Maximilian, authentic disciple and priest of Christ. Father Kolbe Missionaries of the Immaculata. Fourth Step The hospital The camp hospital was always bulging with sick. Father Kolbe did not cease to conduct his mission during his stay in the hospital, he was awakening the flame of faith and reviving all to trust in God's mercy. I was a nurse in the hospital for the infections department. When I learned that Father Kolbe was in the hospital, I went immediately to visit him... After a few days it he had a little, yes, but the pneumonia and fever continued. His conduct in the face of suffering marveled doctors and nurses. He endured bravely and with full resignation to the will of God, often repeating: "For Jesus Christ I am ready to suffer even more. The Immaculate is with me, and helps me (Szeda)! "The Madonna will change even this suffering to good. We gave ourselves to her and promised to conquer souls. We promised to be her property always. Therefore, be grateful if we are needed today. We were brought here for free. We have a cabin for shelter and a piece of bread. We are not lacking. The others do not know how to surrender themselves. They become discouraged and blaspheme. Looking at our attitude of resignation must bring goodness. If we had wanted to come here for a little apostolate, who knows how many documents we would have needed! We would not have been allowed. So, take advantage of the grace that the Immaculata gives us" (Father Kolbe). Sir, if it please you, do not go on past your servant. Jn 18:3 - Saint Maximilian, docile instrument of the Immaculate

7 - Saint Maximilian, consoler of the dying - Saint Maximilian, passionate son of the Church Father Kolbe Missionaries of the Immaculata. Fifth Step The roll call square Tuesday, July 29, 1941, at about 1pm, after a noon rollcall, the sound of the siren was a warning. One of the prisoners had escaped. The SS immediately stopped and Their Work Began to herd the prisoners of the camp into the square to count them. The call revealed that an inmate was missing; the whole group was forced to stand at attention until nine at night without eating. When they were finally allowed to return to their blocks, the inmates of Block 14, despite the heavy day and weakness from lack of food and water, could not sleep. They thought about what would happen the next day if the fugitive had not been found. The next day, without the rollcall, the other blocks were sent to work, while the inmates of Block 14 were held in the main courtyard. Throughout the day, the prisoners Remained under the hot sun without food or water. Late in the evening, the official said, The fugitive has not returned. Therefore, according to the rule, ten prisoners will be chosen to die in the starvation bunker. Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, Whom shall I send? Who will go for us? Here I am, I said; send me (Isaiah 6: 8)! Saint Maximilian, icon of the Father's mercy Saint Maximilian Kolbe, chosen by God

8 Saint Maximilian Kolbe, exemplary follower of Saint Francis of Assisi Sixth Step He stepped out of the ranks "What I do depends more and more on her will. I could not long for anything more holy and sublime. I ask with insistence only a prayer, so that I let myself be led by the Immaculata in an always more perfect way and that every thought, word, and action belong always more to her." (SK 746) Ten prisoners were chosen. Suddenly, there was a movement in my line. Someone began to move among the prisoners. It was Father Maximilian. He walked with small steps. He headed toward the SS that were near the first line of prisoners. Everyone trembled. This was a violation of one of the more rigid and brutal prohibitions of the camp. It meant death. We were sure they would kill him before he reached the front. It was extraordinary... It never happened in the history of the 700 camps that a prisoner left the line without being killed. "What does this polish pig want?" "I want to die in his place," pointing to Gajawniczek. "Who are you?" "I am a Catholic, polish, priest." "Why do you want to die in his place?" "He has a wife and children." Everyone waited to see what would happen. A few seconds, he consented to Father Maximilian's request. Good had triumphed over evil (Michele Micherdzinski).

9 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down on my own. I have power to lay it down, and power to take it up again. This command I have received from my Father (Jn 10:18). Saint Maximilian - defender of human dignity Saint Maximilian - messenger of the Spirit of Love Saint Maximilian - protector of the family Seventh Step The descent in the bunker of death Every time that you make the sign of the cross, remember obedience: subordinate your opinion, your heart, your will... to sustain the weight of work for the glory of God, the good of the Church, and the salvation of souls. Supernaturally (constantly) love the other: in thought, word, and action. This leads to paradise. It is the sign that distinguishes Christians. Life is short; suffering is brief, but after: Heaven, Heaven, Heaven! Courage then! Do the will of God. Put the divine law, the rule into practice; be obedient and patient. Carry your cross and walk behind Jesus." (SK 965) The Nazis permitted Francis Gajowniczek to return to the line and Father Maximilian took up his place. The condemned removed their shoes. They were no longer necessary. The door of the starvation bunker would be opened only to remove the corpses. Maximilian was in the last pair. He helped the other to walk. Outside of the block, they were commanded to remove their clothes and were thrown into the cell. Cold, rough, humid pavement, dark walls, the light of the sun barely penetrated. You'll dry up like tulips! snarled the jailer as he slammed the door (Michele Micherdzinski). Father Kolbe entered as a ray of light in a hold of darkness.

10 He restores my soul. He guides me along right paths for the sake of his name. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff comfort me (Psalm 23). - Saint Maximilian, instrument of peace and reconciliation - Saint Maximilian, witness of love of God and neighbor - Saint Maximilian, transparent witness of the Gospel Eighth Step In the darkness of the cell All the brothers should pray well and often, work diligently, and not become sad, because nothing happens with the good God and the Immaculate Virgin's knowing and permitting (SK 956). You could say Father Kolbe's presence in the bunker was necessary for the others. They were in a frenzy over the thoughts of never returning to their homes and families, screaming in despair and cursing. He pacified them and they began to resign themselves. With his gift of consolation, he prolonged the lives of the condemned who were usually so psychologically destroyed that they succumbed in just a few days. So they could join him, he prayed aloud... the voice of Father Kolbe in prayer was diffused to the other cells, where it could be heard well. These prisoners joined in. From then on, every day from the cell where these poor souls were joined by the adjoining cells, one heard the recitation of prayers, the rosary, and hymns. Father Kolbe led while the others responded as a group. As these fervent prayers and hymns resounded in all corners of the bunker, I had the impression I was in a church." As the prisoners became weaker, the prayers continued, but in whispers. However, even when during each inspection the others were always found lying on the cement; Father Kolbe was still standing or kneeling, his face serene. (Bruno Borgowiec)

11 But he saves the afflicted through their affliction, and opens their ears through oppression. (Job 36:15). Saint Maximilian, sign of victory and hope Saint Maximilian, untiring missionary Saint Maximilian, singer of the Mediatrix of all graces Brief moment of silence: I reflect on my day.how have I lived the victory of love in my Ninth Step The Victory of love Imagine how happy we will be on our deathbed, when we can say with sincerity: "O Immaculata, for your mercy I consecrated all of my life to you, for you I have worked, for you I have suffered, and now I do for you. I am yours! What peace, what serene joy will fill our hearts in the hope of seeing her soon. How will the heavenly meeting be?" (SK 149) The SS needed cell 18. Most of the prisoners were dead. Only a few remained, among whom was Father Maximilian. The SS called one of their "doctors" from the infirmary. He arrived and injected each living prisoner with a dose of phenol acid. Death arrived in seconds. "When Bock got there, I had to accompany them to the cell. I saw Father Kolbe, with a prayer, hold out his arm to the executioner. I could not bear it. Whit the excuse that I had some work to do, I left. However, as soon as the SS and their executioners were gone, I returned....father Kolbe was sitting upright, leaning against the far wall. His body was not dirty like the others, but clean and bright. The head was tilted somewhat to one side. His eyes were open. Serene and pure. His face was radiant. The vision that could penetrate

12 eternity allowed Saint Maximilian to die serenely, because he knew well the words: Dear in the eyes of the LORD is the death of his devoted. Psalms 116:15Seeing the body of Saint Maximilian, Borgowiec remembered his voice that encouraged the other prisoners to sing with him. It was Thursday, August 14, 1941, the vigil of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary. The bodies were moved to the crematorium. On August 15, the feast of the Assumption the body of Saint Maximilian was cremated and his ashes dispersed in the wind, while the Church sang: A great sign appeared in the sky, a woman* clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars. The SS did not choose the date of Saint Maximilian's entrance to heaven. The Queen did. (Dr. Diem) And the Mother of Jesus was there" (Jn 2:1). Saint Maximilian, prophet and sign of the civilization of love Saint Maximilian, martyr of charity Saint Maximilian, patron of our difficult time Do not forget love! - Saint Maximilian G. Father Kolbe tells us that we are made for love. Love is radiant, contagious, always old and always new. We were born to love. We live for love. To be loved is joy. Without love, life is sad and empty. Love is courageously going toward others and welcoming them as a gift. Love is a creative force, even where hope seems impossible. Love makes us human. Love makes us happy. 1