Novena to Saint Maximilian Kolbe
A powerful nine-day prayer to seek the intercession of St. Maximilian Kolbe, the martyr of charity who gave his life for another in Auschwitz.
About the Novena to Saint Maximilian Kolbe
The Novena to Saint Maximilian Kolbe is a powerful nine-day prayer that helps us grow closer to God through the intercession of this great saint and martyr. St. Maximilian Kolbe was a Polish Franciscan friar who gave his life for a stranger in Auschwitz concentration camp.
St. Maximilian's life was marked by his deep devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, his founding of the Militia Immaculata movement, and his ultimate sacrifice of love. He exemplified the words of Jesus: "Greater love than this no man has that a man lay down his life for his friends."
This novena helps us to trust in St. Maximilian's powerful intercession and to turn to him with confidence in every need, especially for the grace to love God and neighbor more generously.
Daily Prayers
Greater Love
Pray for the grace to love as St. Maximilian did, laying down our lives for others.
Devotion to Our Lady
Pray for St. Maximilian's intercession to grow in devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Militia Immaculata
Pray for the grace to spread devotion to Our Lady as St. Maximilian did.
Selfless Sacrifice
Pray for the courage to make sacrifices for others as St. Maximilian did.
Love for Persecutors
Pray for the grace to love even those who persecute us, following St. Maximilian's example.
Unselfish Love
Pray for the gift of unselfish love for all people, inspired by devotion to Mary.
Service to Others
Pray for the grace to serve others generously as St. Maximilian served.
Humble Service
Pray for the virtue of humility in serving God and neighbor.
Complete Consecration
Complete your consecration to Our Lady through St. Maximilian's intercession.
How to Make an Excellent Novena
Trust in St. Maximilian
Trust completely in St. Maximilian's powerful intercession and his ability to help you. Turn to him with confidence in every need, especially for the grace to love more generously.
Be Persistent
Pray this novena with persistence and faith. St. Maximilian will not fail to help those who turn to him with trust and confidence.
Be Specific
Present your specific needs and intentions to St. Maximilian. He wants to help you with the particular difficulties you face.
Be Grateful
Thank St. Maximilian for his intercession and for the graces you receive. Gratitude opens our hearts to receive more blessings and miracles.
The Three Theological Virtues
Faith
Believe in St. Maximilian's powerful intercession and in God's ability to work through His saints. Trust that God hears and answers our prayers through His holy servant.
Hope
Hope in God's mercy and in St. Maximilian's ability to obtain miracles for us. Maintain confidence that God will provide what is best for our salvation.
Charity
Pray with love for God and for others. Include in your intentions the needs of all those who are suffering or in need of St. Maximilian's help.
What is the Devotion to Saint Maximilian Kolbe?
Saint Maximilian Kolbe (1894-1941) was a Polish Franciscan friar, priest, and martyr. He is known as the "Martyr of Charity" for giving his life for a fellow prisoner in Auschwitz.
Militia Immaculata - St. Maximilian founded the Militia Immaculata (Knights of the Immaculata) movement in 1917, dedicated to spreading devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and converting sinners through her intercession.
Martyr of Charity - In Auschwitz, when a prisoner was selected for execution, St. Maximilian volunteered to take his place, saying "I am a Catholic priest. Let me take his place. I am old. He has a wife and children."
Devotion to Our Lady - St. Maximilian had an intense devotion to the Immaculate Conception and spread this devotion throughout the world through his writings and missionary work.
Feast Day - St. Maximilian Kolbe is celebrated on August 14th, the day before the Solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, to whom he was so devoted.