NovenasSt. Maximilian Kolbe Novena
Novena to St. Maximilian Kolbe, Martyr of Charity
A nine-day novena to St. Maximilian Kolbe, the Franciscan friar who gave his life for a fellow prisoner at Auschwitz. Known for his deep devotion to Mary Immaculate and founding the Militia Immaculata, he is the patron of addicts, prisoners, and families.
Complete prayer texts. No account needed.
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For Total Consecration to Mary
Sign of the Cross
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Opening Prayer
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 our petitions.
Through his intercession, grant us the grace to love You and our neighbor without limit, and to be devoted children of Mary Immaculate. Amen.
Meditation
When Maximilian was a boy, Mary appeared to him holding two crowns—one white signifying purity and one red signifying martyrdom. She asked which he would choose, and he answered, 'I choose both.'
His entire life was lived in consecration to Mary Immaculate. He founded the Militia Immaculata to spread devotion to her throughout the world.
Prayer
St. Maximilian Kolbe, you were totally consecrated to Mary Immaculate. Help me to entrust myself completely to her maternal care, that through her, I may be led to Jesus.
(Mention your intentions here)
Invocations to St. Maximilian Kolbe
St. Maximilian Kolbe, great-hearted lover of God and man, pray for us. Faithful follower of St. Francis of Assisi, pray for us. Man of living faith, pray for us. Brave Knight of the Immaculata, pray for us. Martyr of charity, pray for us. Patron of prisoners, pray for us. Patron of those struggling with addiction, pray for us. Intercessor for families, pray for us.
Closing Prayer
St. Maximilian Kolbe, help us to be instruments of Mary, who in turn leads us to Jesus. Obtain for us the grace by our lives and labors to draw many souls to Christ, as you did through your total dedication to the Immaculata.
Our Father
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
Hail Mary, full of grace, the Lord is with thee. Blessed art thou among 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
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.
St. Maximilian Kolbe, pray for us. Amen.
About this novena
A nine-day novena to St. Maximilian Kolbe, the Franciscan friar who gave his life for a fellow prisoner at Auschwitz. Known for his deep devotion to Mary Immaculate and founding the Militia Immaculata, he is the patron of addicts, prisoners, and families.
August 5-13 (Feast: August 14), or any time
Traditional start: August 14
You can begin a novena at any time. Traditional dates are a guide, not a requirement.
