Major Events
The two most significant events in Kolbe’s life were his vision of
Blessed Virgin Mary and his death in Auschwitz.
His Vision of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Before Kolbe reached adolescence, he was mischievous and was often scolded by his mother. One day, her scolding took effect and changed his behaviour and outlook on life completely. His mother described it as a described as “a radical change”. The evening after he was scolded, Kolbe questioned the Mother of God “What was to become of me” and to his surprise, that night he had a vision of the Immaculate Mary. His vision was of the Blessed Virgin Mary inviting him to follow his religious vocation.
His Vision of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Before Kolbe reached adolescence, he was mischievous and was often scolded by his mother. One day, her scolding took effect and changed his behaviour and outlook on life completely. His mother described it as a described as “a radical change”. The evening after he was scolded, Kolbe questioned the Mother of God “What was to become of me” and to his surprise, that night he had a vision of the Immaculate Mary. His vision was of the Blessed Virgin Mary inviting him to follow his religious vocation.
“That night, I asked the Mother of God what was to become of me, a Child of Faith. Then she came to me holding two crowns, one white, the other red. She asked me if I was willing to accept either of these crowns. The white one meant that I should persevere purity, and the red that I should become a martyr. I said that I would accept them both.”
This was the first and last vision Kolbe had throughout his
lifetime but it became a major driving force for his future pursuits. This
vision lead Kolbe to strongly believe that he was destined for martyrdom. It
was a contributing factor in his decision to join priesthood and become an
ordained priest. His religious pursuit later influenced him pursue social
justice.
His Death in Auschwitz
During World War II, Kolbe sheltered approximately 2000 refugees who were hiding from the Nazi Party and he started a radio programme where he spoke on behalf of the ostracized against the Nazi party and their movements. In doing this, Kolbe was essentially opposing the Nazi Party and consequently became a target. He was arrested on 17 February 1941 and imprisoned in the Pawiak prison. Shortly after, on 28 May, he was transferred to Auschwitz.
Towards the end of July 1941, three prisoners escaped from the camp, provoking the deputy camp commander to choose ten men to starve in the underground bunker, which would consequently lead to death. One of the men chosen was Franciszek Gajowniczek. When chosen, he cried “My wife! My children!” Hearing this, Kolbe offered to take his place, which could only mean death.
After two weeks of starvation and dehydration, nine of the men died, leaving Kolbe to be the only survivor. The guards then had to inject him with carbolic acid, which was lethal and killed him instantly. Some who witnessed his death claimed that Kolbe calmly and fearlessly offered his left arm to be injected. Kolbe’s death was the most remarkable instance in his pursuit of a religious lifestyle and social justice.
His Death in Auschwitz
During World War II, Kolbe sheltered approximately 2000 refugees who were hiding from the Nazi Party and he started a radio programme where he spoke on behalf of the ostracized against the Nazi party and their movements. In doing this, Kolbe was essentially opposing the Nazi Party and consequently became a target. He was arrested on 17 February 1941 and imprisoned in the Pawiak prison. Shortly after, on 28 May, he was transferred to Auschwitz.
Towards the end of July 1941, three prisoners escaped from the camp, provoking the deputy camp commander to choose ten men to starve in the underground bunker, which would consequently lead to death. One of the men chosen was Franciszek Gajowniczek. When chosen, he cried “My wife! My children!” Hearing this, Kolbe offered to take his place, which could only mean death.
After two weeks of starvation and dehydration, nine of the men died, leaving Kolbe to be the only survivor. The guards then had to inject him with carbolic acid, which was lethal and killed him instantly. Some who witnessed his death claimed that Kolbe calmly and fearlessly offered his left arm to be injected. Kolbe’s death was the most remarkable instance in his pursuit of a religious lifestyle and social justice.