# Starting a Novena to St. Maximilian Kolbe
*2008-06-12*

> Bill Young introduces a new novena to St. Maximilian Kolbe, inspired by the 25th anniversary of St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Church in Palm Beach Pines, Florida, and shares a powerful worship experience.

## A Parish Milestone

This week my parish, St. Maximilian Kolbe Catholic Church in Palm Beach Pines, Florida, is celebrating its 25th anniversary. We have a wonderful community, a dedicated pastor, Father Jeff McCormack, and wonderful priests, Father David and Father Hector. Last night we held a praise‑and‑worship night that was truly uplifting.

## A Special Guest

We were honored to have Marina Kolbe, the great‑grand‑niece of St. Maximilian Kolbe, share her story. She spoke about how St. Maximilian’s example has guided her from childhood to the present. Her testimony reminded us that the saints, angels, Mary, and God are constantly speaking to us if we are open to the Holy Spirit.

## A Personal Encounter

During the worship, I felt a sudden flash of light in my eyes, followed by a tingling sensation that ran from the top of my head to the soles of my feet. It was an intense, emotional experience that left me feeling profoundly prayed over. I thank Marina for her inspiring talk.

## The Novena Prayer

Let us pray the novena together:

Our Lord Jesus Christ said, “Greater love has no one than this: that someone lay down his life for his friends.” Through the intercession of St. Maximilian Kolbe, whose life exemplifies that love, we ask you to grant our petitions. (Here you may add your own petition.) My petition is for my friend John, who is homebound and ill; may he feel God’s presence.

Through the Immaculate Movement that St. Maximilian founded, he spread a fervent devotion to Our Lady worldwide. He gave his life for a total stranger and loved his persecutors, offering us a model of self‑sacrificial love rooted in devotion to Mary. Grant, O Lord Jesus, that we too may give ourselves entirely to the love and service of our heavenly Queen, so that we may better love and serve our neighbor, imitating your humble servant, Maximilian. Amen.

## Traditional Prayers

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 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’s witness invites us to love selflessly and to trust the guidance of the Holy Spirit in our daily lives.*