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Maximilian Kolbe was born in Poland in 1894. As a boy, he prayed the rosary every day and loved Mary, the Mother of God, with all his heart. One day, Mary appeared to him with a choice to serve God or to become a martyr. He chose both.
He chose to enter the seminary and was soon ordained a Franciscan priest. Throughout his life, God worked through Father Maximilian to serve God by giving comfort to those who were suffering as priests do when they perform the sacrament of anointing. Maximilian Kolbe ultimately became a martyr, and his feast day is August 14.
Saints are real-life heroes of faith who inspire us by their virtues to become more like Christ. In the Saints and Me! series, these beautifully illustrated early-reader books tell the real stories of saints that come to life and connect with today’s children aged 4 to 9.
Barbara Yoffie has been in Catholic education for 35 years as both a primary grades classroom teacher and religion education coordinator. Currently, she is the coordinator of religious education at St. Clement of Rome Elementary School, St. Louis, MO. She is a well-known presenter on a variety of topics, including seasons of the Church year, saints, creative activities, and praying with children. Yoffie has a master’s degree in religious education administration from Loyola University, New Orleans, a bachelor’s degree in art education, and a certificate of religious studies, from Paul VI Institute, St. Louis. She is the author of several pamphlets and booklets on saints and choosing confirmation saints.
Jeff Albrecht has illustrated for Disney, Warner Bros., Marvel, DC Comics, and other entertainment companies. His animation has been seen on Cartoon Network. His Christian illustration credits include Master Books (A is for Adam, N is for Noah), Living Faith Kids, and Concordia Publishing House. He enjoys working in different styles from his studio in the St. Louis area.
