Last week, we discussed the life of St. Maximilian Kolbe, a man of great devotion to Our Lady and deep faith in God. So, this week, we will highlight the power of prayer and the legacy of love in Kolbe's life. 

The Freemasons (a secret society) were a thing during his time. Kolbe responded to the attack of the Freemasons on the Church with prayer. He understood how destructive they could be. His heart ached deeply for the conversion of the whole world, and the Freemasons were at the forefront of his thoughts.

Maximillian had even petitioned his superior to allow him to attempt to convert the grand master of the Freemasons. But it was not until Maximillian studied in Rome that he experienced the Freemason’s violent protest first-hand.

Kolbe's response to the Freemasons was not one of fear or aggression, but of deep faith and devotion. He turned to his Blessed Mother and organized the Militia Immaculata, an 'Army of the Immaculate One' dedicated to the conversion of sinners and enemies of the Catholic Church, especially the Freemasons.

Kolbe's commitment to this mission was unwavering, and he even added a line to the Miraculous Medal prayer, emphasizing the power of prayer in his life.

“O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to thee. And for all those who do not have recourse to thee, especially the Freemasons and all those recommended to thee.”

 

Whom do you turn to when the chips are down? 

The part I want us to reflect on this week is how Kolbe easily turns to Our Lady for assistance. Many times, when the wolves of the world pursue us, we tell every other person our problems except the one who could truly rescue us, God.

Sometimes, we even try to solve the problem our way, with our own means, while making turning to God the last resort. It should be the other way around, to seek God, first. Let us emulate St. Maximillian Kolbe.

 

How about those we think are sinners? 

It also struck me how Kolbe mentioned specifically those he was praying for: The Freemasons. We, too, can do the same by praying for specific intentions and for groups and sects that do not acknowledge God.

Maximillian’s efforts did not end with his edits of the prayer. He petitioned the Franciscans to require a fourth vow to the Immaculata. He wrote a prayer for Total Consecration to Mary that many still use to entrust themselves to Jesus through Mary. We, too, can consecrate ourselves to Jesus through our lady, either through Kolbe’s prayers or through St. Louis de Montfort's. 

St. Maximilian Kolbe, Pray for us!