Dr. Helen Titilola OLOJEDE

 

This August, we celebrate the memorial of St Maximilian Kolbe, a saint whose life offers a profound example of devotion to Our Lady and unwavering trust in God. His life reminds us of the power of prayer, the transforming nature of love, and the importance of turning to God when confronted with the difficulties of the world.

During Kolbe's lifetime, Freemasonry was a significant presence and, from his perspective, represented a serious challenge to the Catholic Church. Rather than responding with hostility or fear, Kolbe responded through prayer and a passionate desire for conversion. His concern was not simply to defeat those he regarded as enemies of the Church, but to see the whole world drawn towards God. His desire for the conversion of the Freemasons was so strong that he even sought permission from his superiors to try to convert their Grand Master.

 

Kolbe placed his response firmly in the hands of the Blessed Virgin Mary. He founded the Militia Immaculata, the "Army of the Immaculate", which was dedicated to the conversion of sinners and those opposed to the Catholic faith. Prayer was central to this mission. He even adapted the prayer associated with the Miraculous Medal to include specific prayers for those who did not have recourse to Mary, particularly those whom he regarded as opponents of the Church. This raises a question worth asking ourselves: Whom do we turn to when the chips are down?

 

When difficulties come, how often do we tell everyone else about our problems before turning to the One who can truly help us? How often do we exhaust our own strategies, resources and connections before remembering God? Yet, as Christians, our instinct should be the opposite. We should seek God first. Kolbe also teaches us something about praying for those we find difficult. He did not simply pray in general terms. He prayed specifically for those whom he believed needed conversion. We, too, can bring particular people, situations and even groups before God, asking for His grace and mercy.

 

His devotion to Mary extended beyond the founding of the Militia Immaculata. He sought to deepen commitment to the Immaculata within his Franciscan community and composed a prayer of total consecration to Mary. Through such consecration, we entrust ourselves more completely to Jesus through His Blessed Mother. Perhaps this week, we can imitate Kolbe in one simple way: when the wolves of the world pursue us, let our first instinct be to turn towards God. Before we panic, complain or attempt to control everything ourselves, let us pray. And let us remember to pray not only for ourselves, but also for those whose lives and actions we struggle to understand or accept.

 

St Maximilian Kolbe, pray for us.