St. Max Statue
In 2022 under the guidance of the pastor, our Knights of Columbus inquired about making this statue a reality by searching for the right artist to bring the vision to life. Nearly four years later, the statue would be finally installed in our gathering space at St. Max.
Spiritual Significance
Our Lady
The small state of the Virgin Mary is a reflection of the image “Our Lady of the Miracle” which hangs above the altar in the Roman church, the Basilica of Sant’ Andrea delle Fratte, where Fr. Maximilian Kolbe celebrated his first Mass on April 29, 1918. Known as the "Altar of Miracles”, this side chapel is where the Blessed Virgin Mary miraculously appeared to Alphonse Ratisbonne in 1842.
Two Crowns
Around the age of 10, young Raymond Kolbe, later taking the name Maximilian in religious life, had a vision of the Blessed Virgin Mary in which she offered the future saint two crowns: one white, for purity, and one red, for martyrdom. When asked to choose one, he responded, “I choose both.”
Auschwitz
Over the saint’s shoulder is part of the uniform he wore as a prisoner in Auschwitz. The scarlet triangle with the letter P signifies his identify as Polish.His prisoner number, 16670, was tattooed on his forearm.
Rosary
St. Maximilian holds a rosary in his left hand, reflecting his great love for Our Blessed Mother. “The Rosary is a powerful weapon in our hands. It not only strengthens us in our personal struggles but also calls down heavenly help for the whole world.”
- St. Maximilian Kolbe
Around the Base
Publications
St. Maximilian Kolbe was responsible for the publication of the Knight of the Immaculata, a Catholic monthly periodical he founded and edited to promote formation in the faith and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The magazine grew to a peak circulation of one million copies by 1938.
Boy Kneeling
To the left and right are images of Our Lady and a boy kneeling, referencing the mystical encounter the saint had with Our Lady when he was a child.
Eucharist
The Host, Chalice and stole are symbols of the priesthood. St. Max was ordained a priest on April 28, 1918.
Monastery
The monastery St. Maximilian founded was called Niepokalanow, meaning the City of the Immaculata.
Lungs
The lungs and stethoscope symbolize the chronic struggle with tuberculosis that Fr. Maximilian endured throughout his adult life.
Poland
The map of Poland represents his homeland. He was born in Zduńska Wola, Poland.
Auschwitz
This element recalls the infamous fences of the concentration camp, Auschwitz, where St. Maximilian died, August 19, 1941.
Miraculous Medal
St. Maximilian was devoted to the Miraculous Medal and the powerful intercession of Our Lady. He called the medal “a bullet with which a faithful soldier hits the enemy... and thus rescues souls.”
History
2022
Early concept sketches were drawn in April of 2022.
2023
In March 2023, after a diligent search, the decision was made to hire sculptor Sondra Jonson to effectuate an original, life-size, bronze sculpture of St. Maximilian Kolbe. A few months later, a small clay molding was erected to act as a model for the life-size statue to come. Initial and critical financial support from the Knights of Columbus made this statue possible. As the work continued, more enthusiastic and generous parishioners joined in the venture.
2024
A 30” resin statue was officially completed (pictured on the left) and further progress was made on the life-size larger model (pictured on the right).
2025
In 2025, woodworker Joe Otmar was commissioned to create the red oak pedestal for the statue. Meanwhile, the sculptor, Ms. Johnson, was hard at work carving the details around the base of the statue, pictured above.
2026
The life-size bronze statue of St. Maximilian Kolbe was completed in August 2026 and arrived later that same month. The pedestal was completed in September of 2026 and the final installation took place October 29, 2026.