Facts and Stories from WWII That We Won’t Find in History Books

Before the outbreak of WWII, Kolbe was known for running one of the largest churches/monasteries globally, using it as a sanctuary for those persecuted, including Jews, gays, and Slavs. His defiance against the complicity between the Catholic Church and Germany led to his arrest and eventual confinement in Auschwitz.

In Auschwitz, Kolbe’s extraordinary acts of kindness continued; he voluntarily endured punishments meant for others. His most profound act of sacrifice came when he offered to die in place of a fellow prisoner destined for execution. Ironically, recognizing his martyrdom and the profound impact of his actions, the Catholic Church canonized him as a saint.