MI Monthly FormationNovember 2015Volume V, Issue 11

Kolbe’s Sanctity – Key to his Evangelization

The underlining strength of St. Maximillian’s apostolate, without a doubt, was his personal evangelical testimony which, in every instance of his life he offered to his neighbor. It is exactly his example of living what he believes which became “contagious” for his friars and the faithful. The missionary style of the Polish saint was characterized by three components: his exemplary actions that preceded speaking, his poverty and his sacrifice combined with dedication. Like Francis, he believed a lively evangelical testimony stimulates the friars and faithful more than words. The life of Fr. Kolbe, focused on Christ, on the Immaculata and on St. Francis, shed light on his neighbor’s life, and drew him delicately to love the Almighty with ever more conviction. Poverty enriched his personal example of the evangelical life, and became an expression of humility and entrustment in the Lord’s providential love. Lastly, work and dedication to the apostolate helped the friar, the member of the MI, and the faithful in general, to respond generously to the Omnipotent’s will for them. These three dimensions show how much St. Maximillian wanted to live and transmit a missionary lifestyle.

Fr. Kolbe was convinced that testifying to the faith and the evangelical message began with the personal spiritual experience of the missionary. This key opens the hearts of men. His love for his vocation, his benevolence, his hospitality, his sobriety spoke more than words. The saint was convinced that the apostolic activities, for example the spread of the Knight of the Immaculata magazine or the growth of the City of the Immaculata, could come about without obstacles and be trustworthy with the practice of poverty. Already in 1919, in one of his meditations, the apostle defined his life’s goal: “Your personal sanctification is your first occupation. The

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MI Monthly Intention

Immaculata, please intercede…

that those who are consecrated to God may, by their word and example, point out the way to entering the

National Center of the Mission of the Immaculata1600 West Park Avenue Libertyville, IL 60048 847-367-7800, ext. 246MI@consecration.com www.consecration.comMI National President – Fr. PatrickGreenough,OFM Conv

In 1830, the Blessed Virgin Mary revealed the design of the medal of the Immaculate Conception, the “Miraculous Medal,” to St. Catherine Laboure in Paris, France.Feast November 27.

commitment to the sanctification of others has to overflow from your love for Jesus. In everything, try to please Jesus as much as possible, and have faith in Him, through the Immaculata.”(WK 987F) Sanctifying yourself is the first form of evangelization. Only when this work is realized, will you be able to help others convert, and fly toward eternal life. It is the believers’ visible, abundant love for the Lord, which inspires others to walk in God’s ways. The desire for communion with the Almighty is transmitted to others beginning with one’s own journey of perfection.

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A pastor was explaining the pictures of his church’s stained glass windows to the Sunday school children…The sun has come up in the sough and wonderful light is coming through these four windos. The pastor says, “This first window with all the reds is dedicatd to St. Matthew… The second window with all the blues is dedicated to St. Mark…, the second of our Gospels. The thrid window wih all the greens is dedicated to St. Luke… The fourth window with all the yellows is dedicated to St. John… All the windows are so beautiful, especially with the sunlight shining through them.” And on of the little girls says, “Do you know what a saint is?” “Yes,” replied the pastor. “A saint is somebody that the light shines through.” Yes, the light of God shines through the lives of the saints. It is not you’re your light that is shining; it is the light of God shining through your lives. The windows sparkle and inspire your lives.-Homilies of Fr. Anthony Kadavil

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Father Kolbe also stressed the value of grace, as a determinant, in sustaining the apostle and his preaching: “Not even an apologist will be able to convert someone if the grace doesn’t flow from the hands of the Immaculata. Therefore, the study of apologetic practice should stress the need to turn to the Immaculata, and to rouse love towards Her in those with whom you speak, rather than faith in one’s self, or in the most evident reasoning. Man, in fact, possesses free will, and it’s necessary to submit it to grace. Through grace the Immaculata permits the intellect to be convinced and to follow the truth.”(WK 597) The contents of an evangelical message are very important. Yet, the Polish saint stressed the absolute central role of Divine grace that sustains the missionary since the force of reason is not enough to convert anyone. The same grace influences the heart and mind of those destined to hear the evangelical message, if they are sufficiently open to it.

Saint Maximillian was a protagonist of a Christ centered proclamation, because he desired to transmit the love of Christ to humanity. Thanks to the death and resurrection of Christ, humanity has been redeemed. St. Maximillian wanted to live this truth joyfully, and to give it to those he met through word and writing. This movement of evangelization began with the personal example of Fr. Kolbe’s evangelical life. His giving drew even his confreres, with whom he shared the same mission, to give of themselves. This calling was obviously enriched by the ideal of the Immaculata, the perfect model of a human being. She is the Mother of God. The saint proposed Her virtues as the highest degree of life in Christ. Indicating the Madonna as an extraordinary example to follow, is the greatest form of charity a missionary can show his neighbor.

For Reflection

⛪ Am I a testimony to the Faith?⛪ How do I fight against discord and division?⛪ Does my example give credibility to my word?

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Fr. Patrick is writing a series of formation material on St. Maximilian Kolbe. If you would like to receive this please go the MI official Facebook page -Mission of the Immaculata or on the MI International website (see links).

2015-2016 Annual Theme:In your place Kolbe, Martyr of Charity and Sign of God’s Mercy

Introduction: the intentions for the year 2016 take into consideration the 75th anniversary of St. Maximilian’s martyrdom and the celebration of the Extraordinary Jubilee Year proclaimed by Pope Francis, whose theme will be mercyMonthly intentions can be found at: http://www.mi-international.org/NEWS/public/ENG_Intentions2016.pdf

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⛪ Do the saints inspire me strive for evangelical perfection?

⛪ What does the example of Kolbe say to me about how to become a saint?

-Fr. Raffaele Di Muro, MI International AssistantTranslated by Antonia Velasco & Ann O'Donnell

MI National and Local News

The Pre-Assembly for the MI National Board Election has been canceled due to poor attendance.The MI National Board will still meet Dec 9-11, 2015 at Marytown in preparation for the Election Assembly to be held June 2016 at Marytown.

Position open: MI National Young Adult Coordinator. Contact Christine Rossi at immaculata8@kc.rr.com

MI National Officewww.marytown.com/Philadelphia: Marytown’s little booth providentially was situated close to one of the main entrances. It was one of the most visited booths. Only the name of St. Maximilian set off a stir. We met many who were named after St. Maximilian, and couples who chose to get married on August 14 or priests ordained on his feast. To everyone we proposed the testimony of Fr. Kolbe’s final sacrifice, the total consecration, whether personal or of the entire family. We were amazed at how many organizations are proposing the consecration to the Madonna and how interested people were to the proposal of consecration… A few days after Philadelphia, October 3, was the consecration of families (photo). The rosary prayed

in procession outside (photo) preceded the ritual.

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As the Jubilee of Mercy draws near, we are preparing to propose in parishes, an itinerary of preparation for the total consecration to the Immaculata, Mother of Mercy. A first for this was in the parish, Mary, Star of the Sea, in Washington. It was prepared at the initiative of an MI couple. -Antonella Di Piazza, Fr. Kolbe Missionary

MI Pilgrimage to PolandIn the Footsteps of St. Maximilian KolbeThe MI National Center is planning this event during the Jubilee Year of Mercy with Mater DeTours.Tentative dates: September 7-18, 2016

MI Midwest - Consecration-midwest. Kansas City, MO Saturday November 7 - Come celebrate 12th anniversary of the MI in the MidwestOur Lady of Perpetual Help Church11:00 AM Dale Anderson, and his display of sacred relics of Our Lord’s Life and Passion, of Mary and the Saints, Potluck lunch

Modesto, CASt. Joseph’s Church http://www.stjmod.com/outreach-ministries.htmlMI Adult Prayer VillageMI Family VillageInmaculada Español

Fr. Kolbe MissionariesWest Covina, CA kolbemission.org/enThe opening of the apostolic year begins with many opportunities for on-going formation for MI members: Catholic Conversation, first two Tuesdays of the month (Nov-April) discuss the Faith’s answer to today’s challenges; MI Women Nov 11- Dec 16, Wednesday-shared reflection and prayer; Discernment -Thursdays in November – Young Adults; MI Teens – second Friday of the month; Families to the MAX – Nov 22 Kolbean spirituality put into practice in the family; Mother of Mercy - Preparing for the Year of Mercy – Nov 7 Nativity Parish in Torrance, CA & Dec 6 FKM Center – will include preparation for total consecration.

West Haven, UTAHSt. Mary’s Churchwww.stmarysutah.org/

Let us pray…For our beloved sick

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Daily Miraculous Medal Prayer of St. Maximilian

O Mary, conceived without sin, pray for us who have recourse to you, and for all those who do not have re-course to you, especially the enemiesand all those recommended to you.

We continue our prayers and sacrifices for and communion with Raffaella Aguzzoni, MI International President (photo), who continues a very difficult battle with cancer and other complications. Bologna, Italy. She is being cared for by her Missionary community.

Sr. Carolyn Cossack – Recently had surgery and is recuperating on the east coast. Sr. Carolyn was present for many summer programs and became a beloved speaker and mentor for many youth in the MI. Cards can be sent to: 1365 Enfield St, Enfield, CT 06082

For the DeceasedRoberto Gutierrez returned to our Father, October 3rd, in the comfort of his home having concluded the Holy Rosary. Modesto, CA leaving his wife, Dr. Anna Gutierrez and his son and daughter. Modesto, CA

Straddling the Solemnity of All Saints and All Souls Cindy Venegas Olson passed to eternal life at midnight in Anoka, MI. She was beautifully cared for by her husband, Scott, and son, Gabe, her two sisters, Juanita and Maria, and joined in the last days her brother, Fr. Dennis. who traveled from his work in Mexico. Cindy was a very active member of the MI Young Adults in her youth. May her soul rest in peace. “The last thing I did with Cindy was to pray the

rosary and renew the total consecration, whispering to her ear. The entire prayer she could only nod her head up and down, up and down.” –ann O’D

Preparation for the Extraordinary Year of Mercy

Opening, December 8, 2015 www.vatican.va Trusting in the intercession of the Mother of Mercy, I entrust the preparations for this ExtraordinaryJubilee Year to her protection. Pope Francis

May all MI members pray the novena to the Immaculate Conception beginning, November 29in preparation for the extraordinary year of grace. Ask the Blessed Mother to prepare your mind and body and soul to receive God’s merciful love and that you may be a “fit instrument in Her most immaculate and merciful hands.”

An Instrument of Mary’s Goodness“Visiting Cindy Olson, who was dying from brain tumors, I encountered the nurse who bathed her. In conversation the nurse said she no longer practices the Catholic Faith. Once

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she said this, she stopped everything and prayed the Hail Holy Queen. She wanted to see if she remembered the prayer. She loved it and had prayed it so often. I told her that the Hail Holy Queen is the prayer Pope Francis choose for us to invoke the aide of Mary, Mother of Mercy, in the Jubilee. I gave her a Miraculous Medal to remind her of Mary. A few days later she returned and told Cindy that she will keep the medal forever to recall Cindy. She had put it in the sleeve of her name badge.” Be OPEN to be an instrument of God’s merciful love, whenever, wherever He wants to work through you. A whole world is waiting for this Jubilee!– Ann O’Donnell

Thanksgiving

Shout joyfully to the Lord, all you lands; serve the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful song. Know that the Lord is God, he made us, we belong to him, we are his people, the flock he shepherds. Enter his gates with thanksgiving, his courts with praise. Give thanks to him, bless his name; good indeed is the Lord, His mercy endures forever, his faithfulness lasts through every generation. (Psalm 100)

Pope Francis tells us: To live charitably means not looking out for our own interests, but carrying the burdens of the weakest and poorest among us.

LINKS MI International Calendar http://www.mi-international.org/calendario.asp?month=11&year=2015US Catholic Conference of Bishops - www.usccb.orgZenit News Service - info@zenit.org

ESPAÑOL

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Intención mensual de la MI para Noviembre 2015Inmaculada, por favor intercede…

Para que aquellos que se han consagrado a Dios puedan indicar con la palabra y la vida el camino para alcanzar el Reino de los Cielos.

San Junipero Serra Dia de los Santos 1 noviembre

Vitral del recién canonizado Junípero Serra, fundador de las misiones de California.

La santidad de Kolbe- La clave de su Evangelización La fuerza del apostolado de San Maximiliano radica sin duda en el testimonio evangélico, que en cada circunstancia y en todos los períodos de su existencia, buscaba de ofrecer al prójimo. Es justamente su ejemplo a revelarse decisivo por la incisividad de su obrar, a demostrarse “contagioso” para sus co-hermanos y fieles. El estilo misionero del santo polaco está caracterizado por tres movimientos: el actuar ejemplar que precede el hablar, la pobreza, el sacrificio y la dedicación. Como Francisco, él considera que los frailes y los fieles pueden ser estimulados por el verdadero testimonio evangélico más que con las palabras. Mirar a Cristo, a la Inmaculada, y a Francisco debe poderse traducir en una manera de vivir que pueda iluminar la del prójimo e inducirlo delicadamente a amar cada vez con mayor convicción al Altísimo. La pobreza va a embellecer el propio ejemplo de vida evangélica y se convierte en expresión de humildad y de ofrecimiento al amor providente del Señor. En fin, el trabajo y la dedicación a la actividad apostólica ponen al fraile, al mílite o al fiel en general, en la condición de donarse generosamente al proyecto que el Omnipotente le confía. Estas tres dimensiones representan todo aquello que el Padre Kolbe vive y transmite como presupuesto a la vida misionera. Él, está convencido, que el dar testimonio de la fe y el mensaje evangélico, a partir de la propia experiencia espiritual significativa, es la clave que consiente al misionero de entrar en el corazón de los hombres. El amor por la propia vocación, la benevolencia, la acogida, la sobriedad, permiten a quien evangeliza, de hacer hablar sobre todo al propio ejemplo y después a la palabra. El santo pone en evidencia que sólo practicando la pobreza, las actividades apostólicas, como por ejemplo la difusión del “Caballero de la Inmaculada” o el crecimiento operativo de la Ciudad de la Inmaculada, pueden realizarse sin obstáculos y con la más grande credibilidad.

Ya en el 1919 ha podido escribir en una de sus meditaciones, lo que podemos definir un proyecto para su futuro apostolado: «Tu santificación personal es tu primera ocupación. El empeño de la santificación de los demás debe nacer de la superabundancia de tu amor a Jesús. En todo trata de procurar a Jesús la mayor satisfacción posible y ten fe en Él por medio de la Inmaculada» (SK 987F). Santificarse a sí mismos es la primera forma de evangelización. Sólo cuando esta obra será en plena actuación será posible ayudar a los otros a convertirse y a encaminarse a la vida eterna. Lo que es visible es el amor abundante por el Señor

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que tiene el creyente, el que suscita también en otras personas el deseo de recorrer los caminos de Dios. El deseo de comunión con el Altísimo debe ser transmitido a partir del propio itinerario de perfección. El Padre Kolbe subraya, además, el valor de la gracia que es determinante en el sostener el apostolado y su predicación: «La apologética por sí sola no podrá convertir a nadie si sobre ella no baja la gracia de las manos de la Inmaculada. Por lo tanto, en el estudio de la apologética práctica, esta sección debe subrayar la necesidad de recurrir a la Inmaculada, promover el amor hacia ella en la persona con la cual se discute, más que poner la confianza en la eficacia de las demostraciones más evidentes. El hombre, en efecto, posee el libre albedrío y es necesaria la gracia para someterlo, a fin de que éste permita al intelecto dejarse convencer y seguir la verdad» (SK 597). Los contenidos del anuncio son verdaderamente importantes, sin embargo, el santo polaco pone de manifiesto el rol absolutamente central de la gracia divina que sostiene al misionero, al que no le bastan la fuerza de sus argumentaciones. La misma gracia influirá también en el corazón y en la mente de los destinatarios del mensaje evangélico si ellos son suficientemente abiertos.

San Maximiliano es protagonista de un anuncio cristo céntrico porque desea transmitir el amor que Cristo tiene hacia la humanidad, que gracias a su muerte y a su resurrección ha sido redimida. Quiere vivir esta verdad con alegría, pero además quiere donarla a todos los que encuentra a través de la palabra o de la escritura. Pero este movimiento de evangelización parte de su personal ejemplo de vida evangélica, que vive y hace vivir a los hermanos que comparten con él la misma misión. Dicha llamada se enriquece obviamente gracias a la propuesta de la Inmaculada, cual modelo perfecto del ser humano. Ella es la Madre de Dios, sin embargo, sus virtudes son propuestas por el santo como expresión de vida de primerísimo nivel en Cristo. Proponer a la Virgen como ejemplo extraordinario de seguimiento de Cristo es la más grande forma de caridad que un misionero puede donar al prójimo.

Para reflexionar

⛪ ¿Creo que soy un testigo de la fe?⛪ ¿Mi ejemplo da credibilidad a mi palabra?⛪ ¿Los santos me impulsan a la perfección

evangélica?⛪ ¿El ejemplo del Padre Kolbe qué me

transmite acerca del itinerario hacia la santificación?

⛪ ¿Existe en mí el deseo de un constante camino de santificación?

⛪ ¿El amor a la Inmaculada, en qué medida influye en mi camino de santificación?

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Fr. Raffaele Di Muro, Asistente de la MI Internacional

Lenexa, KSLeader:Annabella Wasserman Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe Family VillageFirst Saturday, 4:30PM

Centro Nacional del la MIOficina Hispana de la Milicia de la InmaculadaFr. Kolbe Missionaries531 E Merced Ave – West Covina, CA 91790626-917-0040 FKMissionaries@gmail.com

www.kolbemission.org/en

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