About St. Maximilian Kolbe
St. Maximilian Kolbe (1894–1941) was a Polish Franciscan friar, priest, missionary, and martyr. From an early age, he had a profound love for the Blessed Virgin Mary and founded the Militia of the Immaculata, a movement dedicated to leading souls to Christ through Mary’s intercession.
He used modern media, including newspapers and radio, to spread the Catholic faith and devotion to the Immaculate Virgin. During the Second World War, he sheltered refugees, including many Jewish families, before being arrested by the Nazis and sent to Auschwitz concentration camp.
In one of the greatest acts of Christian charity in modern history, St. Maximilian Kolbe voluntarily offered his own life in place of another prisoner who had been condemned to die. He died on August 14, 1941, and was canonized in 1982. Today he is honored as the patron saint of families, prisoners, journalists, amateur radio operators, and the pro-life movement. His feast day is celebrated on August 14.
Why Pray the St. Maximilian Kolbe Novena?
- To grow in selfless love and charity
- To deepen devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary
- To seek courage during suffering and persecution
- To pray for strength to forgive others
- To ask for perseverance in faith
- To entrust personal intentions to God
- To imitate Christ through sacrificial love
When should I pray the St. Maximilian Kolbe Novena?
You can pray the novena at any time of the year. Many Catholics begin it on August 5 so it concludes on St. Maximilian Kolbe’s Feast Day, August 14.
Who was St. Maximilian Kolbe?
St. Maximilian Kolbe was a Polish Franciscan priest and martyr who gave his life for another prisoner in Auschwitz during World War II. He is remembered for his heroic charity and profound devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
What is St. Maximilian Kolbe the patron saint of?
He is the patron saint of families, prisoners, journalists, amateur radio operators, the pro-life movement, and those struggling with addiction.
What can I pray for in the St. Maximilian Kolbe Novena?
You may pray for courage, forgiveness, strength during suffering, deeper Marian devotion, protection for your family, perseverance in faith, or any personal intention.
Why is St. Maximilian Kolbe so well known?
He is famous for voluntarily taking the place of another prisoner who had been sentenced to death in Auschwitz. His heroic sacrifice is regarded as one of the greatest examples of Christian love in modern times.
How long is the St. Maximilian Kolbe Novena?
The novena is prayed for nine consecutive days, asking God to hear your prayers through the intercession of St. Maximilian Kolbe.
Can I pray the St. Maximilian Kolbe Novena for someone else?
Yes. Many people pray this novena for loved ones, those who are suffering, prisoners, families, or anyone in need of God’s mercy and St. Maximilian Kolbe’s intercession.
| Novena Begins: | August 5 |
| Feast Day: | August 14 |
Patron Saint of drug addicts, prisoners, families, and the pro-life movement
Day 1 – St. Maximilian Kolbe Novena
Let us begin. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O Lord Jesus Christ, who said, “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends,” through the intercession of St. Maximilian Kolbe, whose life illustrated such love, we beseech You to grant us our petitions.
(Mention your request here…)
Through the Militia of the Immaculata, which St. Maximilian founded, he spread a fervent devotion to Our Lady throughout the world. He gave up his life for a total stranger and loved his persecutors, giving us an example of unselfish love for all people—a love inspired by true devotion to Mary.
Grant, O Lord Jesus, that we, too, may give ourselves entirely, without reserve, to the love and service of our Heavenly Queen, in order to better love and serve our fellow men in imitation of Your humble servant, St. Maximilian Kolbe.
Amen.
Pray 1: Our Father…
Pray 1: Hail Mary…
Pray 1: Glory Be…
Day 2 – St. Maximilian Kolbe Novena
Let us begin. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O Lord Jesus Christ, who said, “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends,” through the intercession of St. Maximilian Kolbe, whose life illustrated such love, we beseech You to grant us our petitions.
(Mention your request here…)
Through the Militia of the Immaculata, which St. Maximilian founded, he spread a fervent devotion to Our Lady throughout the world. He gave up his life for a total stranger and loved his persecutors, giving us an example of unselfish love for all people—a love inspired by true devotion to Mary.
Grant, O Lord Jesus, that we, too, may give ourselves entirely, without reserve, to the love and service of our Heavenly Queen, in order to better love and serve our fellow men in imitation of Your humble servant, St. Maximilian Kolbe.
Amen.
Pray 1: Our Father…
Pray 1: Hail Mary…
Pray 1: Glory Be…
Day 3 – St. Maximilian Kolbe Novena
Let us begin. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O Lord Jesus Christ, who said, “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends,” through the intercession of St. Maximilian Kolbe, whose life illustrated such love, we beseech You to grant us our petitions.
(Mention your request here…)
Through the Militia of the Immaculata, which St. Maximilian founded, he spread a fervent devotion to Our Lady throughout the world. He gave up his life for a total stranger and loved his persecutors, giving us an example of unselfish love for all people—a love inspired by true devotion to Mary.
Grant, O Lord Jesus, that we, too, may give ourselves entirely, without reserve, to the love and service of our Heavenly Queen, in order to better love and serve our fellow men in imitation of Your humble servant, St. Maximilian Kolbe.
Amen.
Pray 1: Our Father…
Pray 1: Hail Mary…
Pray 1: Glory Be…
Day 4 – St. Maximilian Kolbe Novena
Let us begin. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O Lord Jesus Christ, who said, “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends,” through the intercession of St. Maximilian Kolbe, whose life illustrated such love, we beseech You to grant us our petitions.
(Mention your request here…)
Through the Militia of the Immaculata, which St. Maximilian founded, he spread a fervent devotion to Our Lady throughout the world. He gave up his life for a total stranger and loved his persecutors, giving us an example of unselfish love for all people—a love inspired by true devotion to Mary.
Grant, O Lord Jesus, that we, too, may give ourselves entirely, without reserve, to the love and service of our Heavenly Queen, in order to better love and serve our fellow men in imitation of Your humble servant, St. Maximilian Kolbe.
Amen.
Pray 1: Our Father…
Pray 1: Hail Mary…
Pray 1: Glory Be…
Day 5 – St. Maximilian Kolbe Novena
Let us begin. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O Lord Jesus Christ, who said, “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends,” through the intercession of St. Maximilian Kolbe, whose life illustrated such love, we beseech You to grant us our petitions.
(Mention your request here…)
Through the Militia of the Immaculata, which St. Maximilian founded, he spread a fervent devotion to Our Lady throughout the world. He gave up his life for a total stranger and loved his persecutors, giving us an example of unselfish love for all people—a love inspired by true devotion to Mary.
Grant, O Lord Jesus, that we, too, may give ourselves entirely, without reserve, to the love and service of our Heavenly Queen, in order to better love and serve our fellow men in imitation of Your humble servant, St. Maximilian Kolbe.
Amen.
Pray 1: Our Father…
Pray 1: Hail Mary…
Pray 1: Glory Be…
Day 6 – St. Maximilian Kolbe Novena
Let us begin. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O Lord Jesus Christ, who said, “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends,” through the intercession of St. Maximilian Kolbe, whose life illustrated such love, we beseech You to grant us our petitions.
(Mention your request here…)
Through the Militia of the Immaculata, which St. Maximilian founded, he spread a fervent devotion to Our Lady throughout the world. He gave up his life for a total stranger and loved his persecutors, giving us an example of unselfish love for all people—a love inspired by true devotion to Mary.
Grant, O Lord Jesus, that we, too, may give ourselves entirely, without reserve, to the love and service of our Heavenly Queen, in order to better love and serve our fellow men in imitation of Your humble servant, St. Maximilian Kolbe.
Amen.
Pray 1: Our Father…
Pray 1: Hail Mary…
Pray 1: Glory Be…
Day 7 – St. Maximilian Kolbe Novena
Let us begin. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O Lord Jesus Christ, who said, “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends,” through the intercession of St. Maximilian Kolbe, whose life illustrated such love, we beseech You to grant us our petitions.
(Mention your request here…)
Through the Militia of the Immaculata, which St. Maximilian founded, he spread a fervent devotion to Our Lady throughout the world. He gave up his life for a total stranger and loved his persecutors, giving us an example of unselfish love for all people—a love inspired by true devotion to Mary.
Grant, O Lord Jesus, that we, too, may give ourselves entirely, without reserve, to the love and service of our Heavenly Queen, in order to better love and serve our fellow men in imitation of Your humble servant, St. Maximilian Kolbe.
Amen.
Pray 1: Our Father…
Pray 1: Hail Mary…
Pray 1: Glory Be…
Day 8 – St. Maximilian Kolbe Novena
Let us begin. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O Lord Jesus Christ, who said, “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends,” through the intercession of St. Maximilian Kolbe, whose life illustrated such love, we beseech You to grant us our petitions.
(Mention your request here…)
Through the Militia of the Immaculata, which St. Maximilian founded, he spread a fervent devotion to Our Lady throughout the world. He gave up his life for a total stranger and loved his persecutors, giving us an example of unselfish love for all people—a love inspired by true devotion to Mary.
Grant, O Lord Jesus, that we, too, may give ourselves entirely, without reserve, to the love and service of our Heavenly Queen, in order to better love and serve our fellow men in imitation of Your humble servant, St. Maximilian Kolbe.
Amen.
Pray 1: Our Father…
Pray 1: Hail Mary…
Pray 1: Glory Be…
Day 9 – St. Maximilian Kolbe Novena
Let us begin. In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
O Lord Jesus Christ, who said, “No one has greater love than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends,” through the intercession of St. Maximilian Kolbe, whose life illustrated such love, we beseech You to grant us our petitions.
(Mention your request here…)
Through the Militia of the Immaculata, which St. Maximilian founded, he spread a fervent devotion to Our Lady throughout the world. He gave up his life for a total stranger and loved his persecutors, giving us an example of unselfish love for all people—a love inspired by true devotion to Mary.
Grant, O Lord Jesus, that we, too, may give ourselves entirely, without reserve, to the love and service of our Heavenly Queen, in order to better love and serve our fellow men in imitation of Your humble servant, St. Maximilian Kolbe.
Amen.
Pray 1: Our Father…
Pray 1: Hail Mary…
Pray 1: Glory Be…
Leave us your prayers…