As part of Kolbe Catholic College’s 25th anniversary celebrations, 11 Year 10 students, four staff and five friends of the community recently embarked upon a pilgrimage to Poland to learn more about the life of college patron St Maximilian Kolbe.
Pilgrims were welcomed at the Niepokalanow monastery, the monastery St Maximilian Kolbe was responsible for building with support from Franciscan Friars. D
uring World War II, this monastery became a safe haven for many trying to flee from the Germans. More importantly, it was a place of prayer and worship and still continues to be so today.
It was extremely special when members of the tour group were invited to attend Mass in the very chapel that St Maximilian had built.
All in attendance agreed that Mass was a most moving experience, as the celebrant spoke about the life of St Maximilian Kolbe and his devotion to Mary, and shared many memorable episodes from his story.
Students learned of a loving, humble man who enjoyed a joke every now and again, but one who was firmly committed to spreading Christ’s message, no matter the cost.
As part of the pilgrimage, students were exposed to the atrocities that occurred during World War II at Auschwitz.
Students visited the cell where St Maximilian Kolbe was housed, along with the starvation bunker where he made the ultimate sacrifice of giving his life for another, Fransiczek Gajowniczek.
It was fitting that pilgrims also got the opportunity to lay a wreath and pray at the grave of Fransiczek Gajowniczek, who is buried at Niepokalanow monastery.
The pilgrimage then ventured through Krakow and Rome, where the group visited many memorable sites.
Students in attendance were most appreciative of the opportunity to represent the school and have taken up the challenge of keeping the story of St Maximilian Kolbe alive within the community.