Novena to Saint Maximilian Kolbe – Day 8: Humble Service
Join in praying the Novena to Saint Maximilian Kolbe to seek his intercession for love and sacrifice.
Today's Focus: Humble Service
Today we focus on St. Maximilian's humility in serving God and neighbor. He never sought recognition or praise for his good works, but served with true humility.
Prayer for Day 8
O Lord Jesus Christ, who said, 'greater love than this no man has that a man lay down his life for his friends,' through the intercession of St. Maximilian Kolbe whose life illustrated such love, we beseech you to grant us our petitions...
For the Grace to Love Our Lady and Fellow Man as Generously as St. Kolbe Did
Through the Militia Immaculata movement, which 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 men - a love that was 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 fellowman in imitation of your humble servant, Maximilian. Amen.
(Say 3 Hail Marys and a Glory Be)
Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy name; thy kingdom come; thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. Amen.
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee; blessed art thou amongst women, and blessed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, Mother of God, pray for us sinners, now and at the hour of our death. Amen.
Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit, as it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.
Prayer to St. Maximilian Kolbe
O St. Maximilian Kolbe, faithful follower of St. Francis, inflamed by the love of God you dedicated your life to the practice of virtue and to works of the apostolate. Look down with favor upon us who devoutly confide in your intercession. Having consecrated yourself to the Immaculate Virgin Mary, you inspired countless souls to a holy life and various forms of the apostolate in order to do good to others and to spread the kingdom of God. Obtain for us the grace by our lives and labors to draw many souls to Christ. In your close conformity to our Divine Savior you reached such an intense degree of love that you offered your life to save a fellow prisoner. Implore God that we, inflamed by such ardent charity, may through our living faith and our apostolic works witness Christ to others, and thus merit to join you in the blessed vision of God. Amen.
Reflection
St. Maximilian's humble service reminds us that true greatness lies in serving others with humility, following the example of Jesus who came to serve, not to be served.
As we reflect on this aspect of St. Maximilian's life and virtues, let us ask ourselves how we can apply these lessons to our own lives and grow in holiness.
May St. Maximilian's intercession help us to overcome our weaknesses and to grow stronger in our faith and love for God and neighbor.
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.
Closing Prayer
O Saint Maximilian Kolbe, help me to serve with true humility as you did. May your humble service inspire me to seek only God's glory and the good of others. Amen.