25. A True Hero to the End
Before the outbreak of WWII, Kolbe was known for running one of the largest churches/monasteries globally, using it as a sanctuary for those persecuted, including Jews, gays, and Slavs. His defiance against the complicity between the Catholic Church and Germany led to his arrest and eventual confinement in Auschwitz.
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In Auschwitz, Kolbe’s extraordinary acts of kindness continued; he voluntarily endured punishments meant for others. His most profound act of sacrifice came when he offered to die in place of a fellow prisoner destined for execution. Ironically, recognizing his martyrdom and the profound impact of his actions, the Catholic Church canonized him as a saint.