Description
Saint Maximilian Maria Kolbe, martyr of charity
Saint Maximilian Maria Kolbe was born Rajmund Kolbe in 1894 in Zduńska Wola, Poland. A Conventual Franciscan priest, he founded the Militia of the Immaculata and developed the Niepokalanów publishing apostolate, including the Polish magazine Rycerz Niepokalanej. Arrested by the German occupiers, he was sent to Auschwitz as prisoner 16670. In 1941 he volunteered to take the place of Franciszek Gajowniczek, a husband and father selected to die by starvation. Kolbe was killed on August 14 and canonized by Pope John Paul II in 1982 as a martyr of charity.
Franciscan habit, camp uniform, and the written apostolate
The icon joins two moments of Kolbe's witness. One side shows his black Franciscan habit and rosary; the other is covered by the striped Auschwitz uniform with the red prisoner triangle and number 16670. He holds an issue of Rycerz Niepokalanej, identifying the Marian and media apostolate he led before his arrest. The halo proclaims holiness, while the divided clothing prevents the concentration camp from becoming his only identity and connects his final sacrifice with a lifetime of priestly service.
For courage, prisoners, families, and responsible media
The image is suited to prayer for prisoners, persecuted people, families facing sacrifice, journalists, publishers, and Catholic communicators. It can support reflection on human dignity, self-giving love, Marian devotion, and ethical use of media. It is appropriate for a chapel, prison ministry, newsroom, school, Franciscan community, or a confirmation and name-day gift. Veneration honors Kolbe's witness without romanticizing Auschwitz or promising automatic deliverance.
Crafted on linden wood in Poland
Made to order in Poland on a double-primed linden wood panel, with direct printing and decorative gold-tone metal leaf. A certificate with the year of production and a wall hanger are included.