St. Maximilian Kolbe: Jan. 8, 1894~Aug. 14, 1941

Several years ago, at the suggestion of a good friend at the time, I made my Consecration to Mary through St. Maximilian Kolbe's Militia Immaculatae. I chose June 19th, the day of the Feast of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Many graces came through that day and through this consecration.
I had always heard of the deMontfort Consecration, but at the time that seemed like an extremely intensive and overwhelming thingfor me to do. (Although I may discern doing this in the future) This seemed more feasible for this newly returning Catholic.
It was through this consecration that I learned more about this wonderful saint who lived and died the verse, "Greater love than this no man hath, that a man lay down his life for his friends." (John 15:13.) While being held prisoner in Auschwitz concentration camp, he took the place of a man who had a family and was about to be sent to his death.
St. Maximilian Kolbe also had great devotion to Our Lady and so began the sodality of the Militia Immaculatae. He believed in the tremendous graces and protection obtained through the Miraculaous Medal.
This saint is the patron of addicts (his death was brought about by a dose of lethal drugs), and prisoners.
As patron saint and companion of prisoners, and because he was also a Catholic priest, I ask his intercession today for all Catholic priests who may be imprisoned either justly or unjustly.

O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to you, and for all those who do not have recourse to you , especially the enemies of the Church and those recommended to you.
(Invocation of the Miraculous Medal as advocated by St. M. Kolbe)

The Litany of St. Maximilian Kolbe is a beautiful prayer to pray in asking for this great saint's intercession.
To learn more about St. M. Kolbe as well as the Militia Immaculata, see these related links.
Biography of St. Maximilian Kolbe
Militia Immaculata
Mary Victrix