His name wasn't always Maximilian. He was born the son of a poor weaver on 8/1/1984 At Zdunska Wola in Poland, and was given the baptismal name of Raymond. His parents were devout Christians with a particular devotion to Mary. In his infancy Kolbe seems to have been normally mischievous but we are told that one day, after his mother had scolded him for some mischief or other, her words took effect and brought about a …showed first 75 words of 527 total…

…showed last 75 words of 527 total…all intention of being true to what the stood for. If I had to give up my life for a friend I am not sure I would have the courage but after reading the story of Fr. Kolbe I am sure that I would at least have faith in god and ask what he wanted of me. Fr. Kolbe is a great inspiration to me and to many others and his sainthood was well deserved.