St. Maximilian Kolbe, the Masons, and the Militia Immaculatae

St Maximilian Mary Kolbe was a Franciscan Priest, a man devoted to the Mother of God, who gave his life at Auschwitz to save another man's life. I have often said that his first miracle was that the Nazi officer actually allowed the other man to live, rather than just executing them both. The man was named Franciszek Gajowniczek and he survived to attend both St Maximilian's Beatification and Canonisation ceremonies.

In 1941, St Maximilian wrote:

"In the years leading up to the war, the masonic 'clique', disapproved of on several occasions by the Sovereign Pontiffs, governed in Rome, the capital of Christianity, with ever greater impudence. It did not even hesitate to brandish in the streets of the City during the festivities in honour of Giordano Bruno, a black flag showing the Archangel Saint Michael beneath the feet of Lucifer; still less did they hesitate to brandish masonic insignia beneath the windows of the Vatican. A reckless hand felt no repugnance in writing: Satan will rule in the Vatican and the Pope will serve him in the uniform of a Swiss Guard, and other things of that kind. This mortal hatred for the Church of Jesus Christ and for His Vicar was not just a prank on the part of deranged individuals, but a systematic action proceeding from the principle of Freemasonry: Destroy all religion, whatever it may be, especially the Catholic religion." - written by Fr. Kolbe in 1939

Fully aware of the threat of Masonry to revealed religion, St Maximilian founded the Militia Immaculatae (the Militia of the Immaculate) to pray for the conversion of the Freemasons and other enemies of the Church. I've been a member of the M.I. for many years.

Statutes of the M.I.

The Statutes, or "Rule" of the Knights of the Immaculatae, as written by St. Maximilian Kolbe, embody the founder's vision for this army of the Blessed Virgin.

“She will crush your head.” (Genesis 3:15).

“Thou alone hast vanquished all heresies throughout the world.” (from the Roman Breviary).

I. Object

To work for the conversion to God of all men, be they sinners, heretics, schismatics, Jews, etc., in particular the Freemasons; and that all become saints, under the patronage and through the mediation of the Immaculate Virgin.

II. Conditions

1. To consecrate oneself entirely to the Immaculate Virgin, placing oneself freely as a docile and generous instrument in Her hands.
2. To wear the Miraculous Medal.

III. Means

1. If possible, to pray the following ejaculation at least once a day: “O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to Thee, and for all those who do not have recourse to Thee, especially for the Masons and for all those who are commended to Thee.”
2. To use all other valid and legitimate means for the conversion and sanctification of men, according to one’s means, in the different states and conditions of life, as the occasions present themselves; this is entrusted to the zeal and prudence of each one. Particularly recommended, however, is spreading the Miraculous Medal.

N.B. These means are recommended only as suggestions and not as an obligation; not one of them obliges under pain of sin, not even venial sin. Our principal motive is to help the greatest possible number of souls to be united with the Sacred Heart of Jesus through the mediation of the Immaculata.

You may join me in the Militia of Our Lady at the MI website, here.