And The Light Shineth In The Darkness

Yesterday was the 70th anniversary of the start of World War II. In the early morning hours of September 1, 1939 Nazi Germany (shortly followed by the treacherous Soviets) commenced its blitzkrieg on Poland, which fell within the month. Poland, and particularly its Jews, suffered immeasurably over the next six years of war. Much has been written about the Nazi atrocities in Poland and elsewhere, but nothing could ever adequately convey the absolute inhumanity of Nazism.

Against this backdrop, 'Puter thought it important to note that even in the evil darkness of Nazi occupied Poland, the bright light of truth and goodness could not be fully extinguished. 'Puter offers up the example of Father Maximilian Kolbe, a Roman Catholic priest and saint. You should read his full history here and here to more fully understand the inherent goodness and holiness of this (extra)ordinary man. Fr. Kolbe sheltered over 2,000 Jews from the Nazis until he was arrested and sent to the Nazi death camp at Auschwitz. At Auschwitz, Fr. Kolbe offered to switch places with another prisoner who was slated to die in retribution for a prisoner escape. Fr. Kolbe and others were starved for three weeks as punishment for the escape. After three weeks, Fr. Kolbe, the lone survivor, was killed by a Nazi injection of carbolic acid.

Fr. Kolbe is the patron saint of journalists and the pro-life movement. Odd pairing, that. He is also a constant reminder that good always overcomes evil, provided mankind is willing to stand in defense of the good.

** N.B. Like your Gormogons, Fr. Kolbe was also a mortal enemy of the Freemasons.