Poland unveils new monuments honoring Saint Maximilian Kolbe

New monuments honoring Saint Maximilian Kolbe have been unveiled in two Polish locations.

In Gdynia, a monument was revealed at the Church of St. Anthony to mark the 55th anniversary of his beatification. The ceremony included a mass and highlighted Kolbe’s historical connection to the area, noting his presence during the consecration of the local monastery and chapel in May 1937. The event also reflected on his martyrdom in Auschwitz, where he famously volunteered to die in place of another prisoner.

In Zduńska Wola, a bronze sculpture titled ‘Ofiarowanie’ (Offering) was unveiled on Zenon Anstadta Square. Designed by Professor Zbigniew Dudek, the sculpture uses openwork elements to evoke the appearance of concentration camp striped uniforms, symbolizing Kolbe’s status as a prisoner and martyr. The unveiling coincided with the city's patron saint celebrations and the 44th anniversary of his canonization.