This theca comes from the advanced collection of relics in Europe and was originally obtained directly from the Postulator General for the Cause of Canonization of Maximilian Kolbe. It is similar in appearance, size, and construction to other attributed reliquaries issued by the Franciscan community at Niepokalanów, including a theca prominently displayed at the Maximilian Kolbe Shrine in Libertyville, IL.
Saint Maximilian Kolbe OFM Conv. (†1941) was a Polish Conventual Franciscan friar who volunteered to die in place of a stranger in the German death camp of Auschwitz, located in German-occupied Poland during World War II. He was active in promoting the veneration of the Immaculate Virgin Mary, founding and supervising the monastery of Niepokalanów near Warsaw, operating an amateur radio station, and founding or running several other organizations and publications. Kolbe was canonized on 10 October 1982 by Pope John Paul II, and declared a Martyr of charity. He is the patron saint of amateur radio operators, drug addicts, political prisoners, families, journalists, prisoners, and the pro-life movement. John Paul II declared him "The Patron Saint of Our Difficult Century". Due to Kolbe's efforts to promote consecration and entrustment to Mary, he is known as the Apostle of Consecration to Mary.
Поменять язык на русский 