Young Maximilian Kolbe was so mischievous as a child that one day his mother blurted out, “What will become of you?” This struck him to the heart. At the age of 12, he had a vision of the Virgin Mary and asked her what was to become of him. She held two crowns: one white, representing purity, and one red, representing martyrdom. She asked if he would accept either of the crowns. He replied, “I choose both.”

While in seminary to become a Polish Conventual Franciscan, he and some friends founded the Militia of the Immaculata (Army of Mary) in hopes to convert the whole world to Jesus through Mary. During WWII, Maximilian was imprisoned in Auschwitz. When a young father was selected to be executed, Maximilian took the father’s place.

Add St. Maximilian Kolbe to your sock collection and be inspired by his holy life!