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Maximilian Kolbe: Saint of Auschwitz
A biography of the Polish friar, canonized in 1982, who founded the Militia o the Immaculate, wrote numerous periodicals and newspapers, and while impriso in Auschwitz, sacrificed his life for another man.
128 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 1, 1997
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
August 14, 2015
“No one can alter truth. What we can do, and should do, is search for truth and then serve it when we have found it.” ~ St. Maximilian Kolbe
Concise, young adult biography of a Catholic priest who gave his life for Jewish husband and father, Francis Gajowniczek, imprisoned for helping the Polish Resistance. Mr. Gajowniczek was among those selected for punishment (locked in starvation cells to die of hunger and thirst) imposed on a bunker when one of its member prisoners goes missing. Kolbe volunteered to take his place.
Gajowniczek returned from the war to find his own children dead. He dedicated the rest of his life to telling the story of Father Kolbe’s courageous unselfish love and working for his canonization. I especially enjoyed learning what happened to Mr. Gajowniczek after the war and how his life was so transformed by the realization that someone else, and a stranger at that, had given his life for him.
Today, August 14th, is the day he died and the Church remembers him.
Concise, young adult biography of a Catholic priest who gave his life for Jewish husband and father, Francis Gajowniczek, imprisoned for helping the Polish Resistance. Mr. Gajowniczek was among those selected for punishment (locked in starvation cells to die of hunger and thirst) imposed on a bunker when one of its member prisoners goes missing. Kolbe volunteered to take his place.
Gajowniczek returned from the war to find his own children dead. He dedicated the rest of his life to telling the story of Father Kolbe’s courageous unselfish love and working for his canonization. I especially enjoyed learning what happened to Mr. Gajowniczek after the war and how his life was so transformed by the realization that someone else, and a stranger at that, had given his life for him.
Today, August 14th, is the day he died and the Church remembers him.
April 10, 2024
Unbelievable story about an amazing Saint. With so many hardships in a Nazi concentration camp during World War II, he still had so much love for God, his enemies, and the Blessed Mother. Visiting Auschwitz a few years ago, I learned a little about Saint Kolbe, but this book gave such a great perspective of his life; from a troublesome boy who was always in trouble, to starting a spiritual newspaper that was distributed throughout the world, to giving the ultimate sacrifice for another inmate. It is no wonder Pope John Paul, a fellow Polish Priest, canonized St. Maximilian Kolbe.
June 6, 2020
Excellent and succinct recounting of an incredible man who loved his Lord and was completely detached from the world. In the words of the man he saved, “he didn’t just die a holy death, he lived a holy life.”
May 14, 2013
EMBRACING THE SACRIFICE OF DUAL CROWNS
Specializing in the biographies of saints, Elaine Murray Stone presents here a pious but readable study on the life and Christian dedication of a Polish priest during World War II: Father Maximilian Kolbe. Using simple syntax and headlines within chapters the author offers interested readers a clear timeline of the events and challenges experienced by this devout Franciscan in wartorn Poland. The Paulist Press chose artist Patrick Kelley to provide accurate illustrations, in muted gray and charcoal tones, based on actual photographs taken during the future saint's ecclesiastical career. The cover, in limited colors, depicts a serious man holding a lighted candle (representing God's eternal truth and Jesus' promise of salvation) standing behind rows of barbed wire. Potential readers are immediately drawn to learn more about this model of piety and humility.
In boyhood Raymond Kolbe dedicated his life to the special service of Mary, the Mother of Our Lord; he willingly accepted--in a miraculous Vision--the double crowns of purity and martyrdom which she offered him. As Mary's lifelong ardent champion he created an order of Knights of the Immaculate, and eventually founded two monasteries: the City of Mary in eastern Poland and later one in Nagasaki, Japan. Facing every challenge with simple grace, he relied on divine intervention to prosper his self-assigned work in the name of the Blessed Mother.
His widely circulated Catholic newspaper, THE KNIGHT,(and later radio broadcasts) helped inspire thousands of Catholics in their faith and many to accept the Calling. Canonized in 1982 after his heroic but humble self sacrifice at Auschwitz, Father Kolbe is credited with many miracles of healing. His life exemplified quiet acceptance of his Nazi tormentors, and extreme compassion for his fellow sufferers--regardless of their religious beliefs. To the end he urged Christians to forgive their tormentors and to rejoice in the holiness of perfomring their duty to God.
(August 6, 2011)
Specializing in the biographies of saints, Elaine Murray Stone presents here a pious but readable study on the life and Christian dedication of a Polish priest during World War II: Father Maximilian Kolbe. Using simple syntax and headlines within chapters the author offers interested readers a clear timeline of the events and challenges experienced by this devout Franciscan in wartorn Poland. The Paulist Press chose artist Patrick Kelley to provide accurate illustrations, in muted gray and charcoal tones, based on actual photographs taken during the future saint's ecclesiastical career. The cover, in limited colors, depicts a serious man holding a lighted candle (representing God's eternal truth and Jesus' promise of salvation) standing behind rows of barbed wire. Potential readers are immediately drawn to learn more about this model of piety and humility.
In boyhood Raymond Kolbe dedicated his life to the special service of Mary, the Mother of Our Lord; he willingly accepted--in a miraculous Vision--the double crowns of purity and martyrdom which she offered him. As Mary's lifelong ardent champion he created an order of Knights of the Immaculate, and eventually founded two monasteries: the City of Mary in eastern Poland and later one in Nagasaki, Japan. Facing every challenge with simple grace, he relied on divine intervention to prosper his self-assigned work in the name of the Blessed Mother.
His widely circulated Catholic newspaper, THE KNIGHT,(and later radio broadcasts) helped inspire thousands of Catholics in their faith and many to accept the Calling. Canonized in 1982 after his heroic but humble self sacrifice at Auschwitz, Father Kolbe is credited with many miracles of healing. His life exemplified quiet acceptance of his Nazi tormentors, and extreme compassion for his fellow sufferers--regardless of their religious beliefs. To the end he urged Christians to forgive their tormentors and to rejoice in the holiness of perfomring their duty to God.
(August 6, 2011)
January 6, 2011
The life of St. Kolbe really touched me. I just wanted to read whatever I could find concerning him. My son Kolbe was named after this wonderful man of God.
June 29, 2016
Wow!!!!
August 19, 2018
Mixed feelings about this book, because on one side I believe his story is incredible, and in a personal level I could learn a great deal from him; however, the writing is very bland, and with a very fast pace. I don't know if this kind of books are all like that, but I would like to know the Maximilian Kolbe on a much deeper way. I want to know his troubles, his mistakes, and his moments of doubt, because when I read books like this Saints are treated in an almost non-human way; they portrait them as perfect all the time which makes them hard to be relatable.
I am glad I came across this book because his story matters, and it came in a special moment in my life for it. But more than a good book, I felt that I wanted to know more about him when I finished it, because it was short in the book. I will do more research about him in the near future.
I am glad I came across this book because his story matters, and it came in a special moment in my life for it. But more than a good book, I felt that I wanted to know more about him when I finished it, because it was short in the book. I will do more research about him in the near future.
April 10, 2023
What an Amazing Man!!
23 years ago I was in a rehab for alcohol and drugs! Friend of mine, who was in rehab, was a Catholic, and she gave me his medallion. He is the patron saint of addicts among other things. I had no idea about his pastor, who he was other than he was a Saint of addicts! I wore that medallion for several years until it broke off of my neck somewhere and I lost it! I was really depressed for while! The whole time I wore that medallion I never picked up a drink or drug! March fifth of 2022 I came into the the Catholic Church, and picked him as my confirmation Saint! He is absolutely one of the most kindest, loving person I’ve read or heard about!! He is more amazing than could ever imagined! I definitely recommend this book!
23 years ago I was in a rehab for alcohol and drugs! Friend of mine, who was in rehab, was a Catholic, and she gave me his medallion. He is the patron saint of addicts among other things. I had no idea about his pastor, who he was other than he was a Saint of addicts! I wore that medallion for several years until it broke off of my neck somewhere and I lost it! I was really depressed for while! The whole time I wore that medallion I never picked up a drink or drug! March fifth of 2022 I came into the the Catholic Church, and picked him as my confirmation Saint! He is absolutely one of the most kindest, loving person I’ve read or heard about!! He is more amazing than could ever imagined! I definitely recommend this book!
August 19, 2021
Beautifully written in clear plain English
I've read other books on St Maximilian. This biography is so well written, clearly expressed that if you have problems with English, it's easily understood but without losing any details. A very inspiring and uplifting read. Do read it. Life enhancing and enriching
I've read other books on St Maximilian. This biography is so well written, clearly expressed that if you have problems with English, it's easily understood but without losing any details. A very inspiring and uplifting read. Do read it. Life enhancing and enriching
July 19, 2022
One man can change the world. Fr. Kolbe faced a level of persecution I cannot even imagine, and he.continued to comfort and inspire others. in a world full of divisiveness, following the.example of this man could go.a long.way towards helping society.reconcile.
November 4, 2023
Wow. What a saint! This book is an incredible depiction of the selfless and holy life that St. Maximilian possessed. The holiness we can all strive to achieve.
“Holiness is not a luxury, but a simple duty” ~ St. Maximilian Kobe
“Holiness is not a luxury, but a simple duty” ~ St. Maximilian Kobe
May 4, 2018
Beautiful
Excellent work on St. Maximilian Kolbe! I learned much from this biography! To become a Saint for the life you lived, especially at Auschwitz, is truly miraculous.
Excellent work on St. Maximilian Kolbe! I learned much from this biography! To become a Saint for the life you lived, especially at Auschwitz, is truly miraculous.
January 25, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and the history it shares. What an impressive person.
September 12, 2020
Great book
I truly enjoyed reading about this holy man. I never realized all that he did for the love of Jesus and Mary by the work that he did.
I truly enjoyed reading about this holy man. I never realized all that he did for the love of Jesus and Mary by the work that he did.
March 23, 2013
I have heard such wonderful accounts of this man that I needed to read this book to fully understand his life and I was deeply touched when reading about the journey his life took. This book begins at the age of eight and tells about the spiritual journey he took until his death and then narrates how he became a Saint. To have such strength and faith is truly a testiment to his calling. Be ready, as a reader you will deal with many emotions as you read this novel and you might want to keep your tissues handy.
August 2, 2015
Great book, especially for the young adult set. It was the most I had ever read on this saint, and I was surprised at just how large and influential a figure he was in his time, especially since he is little-known today. I also learned from this book that there is museum devoted to him in Footdale, Pa. It's on my to-go-to list.
June 26, 2015
This is a young adult story. I learned a lot about this saint; he made a huge difference in the lives of many people in Poland and Japan. It also reinforces the horror (at the appropriate level for young adults) that was the holocaust.
March 21, 2013
Read this book lots of times in middle school and was inspired enough to make thid guy my confirmation saint.
Another example of the power of martydom and the extraordinary human spirit.
Another example of the power of martydom and the extraordinary human spirit.
March 8, 2015
very elementary. would have liked a lot more depth.
January 23, 2016
I'm so glad that I read this short but wonderfully written bio of St. Maximilian Kolbe. His love of Jesus and his Immaculate Mother is a beautiful example.
July 22, 2020
Inspiring
I defy anyone to not be stirred by this man's unshakable faith amidst circumstances most of us will thankfully never have to face.
I defy anyone to not be stirred by this man's unshakable faith amidst circumstances most of us will thankfully never have to face.
December 1, 2019
It is a powerful story of a saint's life, but I didn't particularly care for the writing.
March 9, 2018
“Saint of Auschwitz” by Elaine Murray Stone is a biography that follows the life of a polish friar Maximilian Kolbe. This story begins in 1894 with the birth of Kolbe. He was a mischievous child who was a burden to his parents. Until he had a vision of Mary the mother of Christ. After this he made it his life’s purpose to serve Mother Mary and Jesus. He later was apprenticed by a pharmacist, and following that he went to seminary. Friar Kolbe went on to accomplish great things for Mother Mary in his lifetime, and later he died as a martyr. That is the greatest sacrifice one can make for his faith. And the Catholic church recognized this later making him a Saint in 1982.
The story of Saint Kolbe was a very inspiring one. His life has inspired many people to stand up for what they believe. In harsh times Saint Kolbe stood firm in his faith, and he has affected the lives of thousands. I would recommend everyone read this book, so they can see such an inspiring story and the barbaric conditions that the victims of the Holocaust had to experience. We should always learn from history, so we do not repeat the same mistakes.
The story of Saint Kolbe was a very inspiring one. His life has inspired many people to stand up for what they believe. In harsh times Saint Kolbe stood firm in his faith, and he has affected the lives of thousands. I would recommend everyone read this book, so they can see such an inspiring story and the barbaric conditions that the victims of the Holocaust had to experience. We should always learn from history, so we do not repeat the same mistakes.
March 1, 2019
This was helpful in researching a character used in my historical fiction novel TimeWorm. The author tells enough about Maximilian Kolbe's life to help the reader understand the acts of martyrdom that saved people in Nazi Germany.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews