# 33 days to morning glory: day 30, st. maximilian kolbe
*2022-05-08*

> Continuing the do-it-yourself retreat for Marian consecration, Bill Young explores the spiritual legacy of St. Maximilian Kolbe through three key themes: mystery, militia, and love.

## The Mystery of Mary and the Holy Spirit

St. Maximilian Kolbe provides us with a key to understanding the mystery of the Immaculate Conception. He explains that while the Holy Spirit is the uncreated Immaculate Conception, Mary is the created Immaculate Conception. Because she was conceived without sin, never sinned, and always did the will of God perfectly, she is perfectly united to the Holy Spirit.

Mary allows the Holy Spirit to overshadow her and take possession of her soul so that He may bear fruit through her. The Holy Spirit delights in working through Mary to save all creatures made in God's image—first by bringing about the Incarnation in her womb, and then by forming the image of her Son in all the baptized. Kolbe invites us to ponder this relationship between Mary and the Holy Spirit, which is a union even deeper than that of marriage.

## The Militia Immaculata

The name 'Maximilian' means 'the greatest.' St. Maximilian Kolbe accepted this name because it corresponded to the desire of his heart: he did not want to give God merely great glory, but the greatest glory. He recognized that the most effective way to glorify God is to unite oneself to the creature who glorifies Him most perfectly: Mary Immaculate.

Kolbe realized that the greatest glory is not achieved as a lone individual, but through an army—the Militia Immaculata—of people who give God the greatest glory through her. While the ultimate goal of this program is the conversion of the whole world, it begins with the individual. One must first give oneself completely to the Immaculate as her possession and property, staying in total union and dependence on her. In doing so, we become consecrated instruments used to bring the world to the merciful heart of Jesus.

## The Path of Love

St. Maximilian Kolbe was united to Mary through deepening acts of love, and he teaches us that we ought to love the Immaculate as well. We do this by relying on her powerful intercession, experiencing her tender care, speaking to her from our hearts, and trusting her completely. As children of our 'little mother,' we can turn to her knowing she will overcome everything.

Kolbe also addresses those who may struggle to feel this love. He explains that we should never worry if we do not feel a strong emotional connection; if you have the will to love, you have already proven that you love. Internal feelings are a fruit of grace, but they do not always follow the will. For anyone wondering if the Immaculate still loves them, Kolbe assures us that she loves every one of us individually, without exception.

*The path to giving God the greatest possible glory is found in the mystery of the Holy Spirit's action through Mary, our total consecration to her as her property, and a steadfast will to love her.*