By Christina Hermoso
The Roman Catholic Church marks Wednesday, August 14, the Feast of Saint Maximilian Mary Kolbe, the revered founder of the Militia of the Immaculata (Army of Mary) and the patron saint of journalists, families, prisoners, and pro-life advocates.
Saint Maximilian Mary Kolbe
(Pinterest / MANILA BULLETIN)
Bishop Antonio Tobias celebrated a high mass in honor of St. Maximilian at the St. Maximilian Mary Kolbe Parish in Kaligayahan, Novaliches, Quezon City, last Sunday, August 11, at 10 a.m. A procession was also held last Sunday.
In his native Poland, pilgrims, devotees, and tourists traditionally gather on his feast day at his major shrine, the Basilica of the Immaculate Mediatrix of Grace to offer special prayers and light candles.
St. Maximilian was known as the “Apostle of Consecration to Mary” and a martyr of charity. He founded the Militia of the Immaculata in 1917 to work for the conversion of sinners and the enemies of the Catholic Church through the intercession of the Blessed Mother. His main apostolate was to help spread devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.