The communities that make up St. Maximillian Kolbe Parish have been blessed for generations by the patronage of holy men and women whose lives continue to inspire our faith. Each of our church buildings bears the name of a patron with a unique story and spiritual legacy. Together with our parish patron, St. Maximilian Kolbe, they remind us of the many ways God calls His people to holiness.
Saint Maximilian Kolbe
St. Maximilian Kolbe (1894-1941) was a Polish Franciscan priest, missionary, and martyr whose life was marked by deep devotion to Jesus Christ and the Blessed Virgin Mary. Born Raymond Kolbe in Poland, he entered the Franciscan Order as a young man and took the religious name Maximilian.
From an early age. St. Maximilian demonstrated a profound love for Our Lady. He founded the Militia Immaculatae (Army of the Immaculate), a movement dedicated to bringing souls to Christ through the intercession of Mary. Through publications, evangelization efforts, and missionary work in Poland and Japan, he sought to spread the Gospel and encourage devotion to the Immaculate Virgin.
During World War II, St. Maximilian provided shelter to refugees, including many Jewish families, despite the dangers posed by the Nazi occupation. In 1941, he was arrested and sent to the Auschwitz concentration camp.
His most famous act of charity occurred when a fellow prisoner, Franciszek Gajowniczek, was selected to die in retaliation for an escape from the camp. Hearing the man’s plea for his wife and children, Fr. Maximilian volunteered to take his place. He was condemned to the starvation bunker, where he led fellow prisoners in prayer and hymns until his death on August 14, 1941.
St. Maximilian Kolbe was canonized by Pope John Paul II in 1982 and is honored as the “Martyr of Charity.” His heroic witness reminds us that authentic Christian love is willing to make sacrifices for others and that faith can triumph even in the darkest circumstances.
As the patron of our parish, St. Maximilian Kolbe inspires us to live lives of faith, courage, service, and devotion to the Blessed Mother, always seeking to bring the love of Christ to those around us.
Saint Thomas the Apostle
St. Thomas Church, in Thomaston has served generations of Catholics since its incorporation in 1868 and remains a cornerstone of our parish family. Dedicated to St. Thomas the Apostle, the church bears the name of one of Christ’s twelve apostles.
St. Thomas is remembered as one of the Twelve Apostles chosen by Jesus Christ. Although he is often known as “Doubting Thomas” because he desired proof of Christ’s Resurrection, his story is ultimately one of profound faith. When the risen Lord appeared to him, Thomas proclaimed one of the greatest professions of faith found in Scripture: “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28)
According to tradition, St. Thomas later traveled as a missionary to India, where he courageously preached the Gospel and ultimately gave his life as a martyr. His example reminds us that honest questions can lead to a deeper faith and that every disciple is called to boldly proclaim the Good News. He is the patron saint of architects, builders, and Christians in India.
As St. Thomas Church prepares to celebrate the 160th anniversary of its incorporation in 2028 we give thanks for the generations of faithful parishioners who have worshipped, celebrated the sacraments, and built a vibrant Catholic community in Thomaston.
Feast Day: July 3
The Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary
Since its dedication in 1883 by Bishop Lawrence McMahon, Immaculate Conception Church has been a place of prayer and devotion for the Catholic faithful of Terryville.
The title of the Immaculate Conception honors the Blessed Virgin Mary, who, by a singular grace from God, was preserved free from original sin from the first moment of her conception. This beautiful doctrine points not only to Mary’s unique role in salvation history but also to God’s plan of redemption through Jesus Christ.
As the Mother of God and our spiritual mother, Mary is a model of humility, obedience, and unwavering trust in God’s will. Under the title of the Immaculate Conception, she is also the Patroness of the United Staes and continues to intercede for all who seek her maternal care.
Feast Day: December 8
Saint Casimir
St. Casimir, patron of our Terryville Church, was a fifteenth-century prince of Poland and Lithuania who chose a life of holiness over wealth and power. Though born into royalty, he devoted himself to prayer, charity, and care for the poor. He was known for his deep love of the Eucharist and his devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
St. Casimir lived a life of purity, humility, and service, demonstrating that true greatness is found in following Christ. He remains a beloved patron of Poland and Lithuania and an inspiration to all who seek to live faithfully in the midst of everyday life.
Feast Day: March 4
United in Faith
Today, St. Maximilian Kolbe Parish brings together these historic communities into one vibrant family of faith. Inspired by St. Maximilian Kolbe, St. Thomas the Apostle, the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and St. Casimir, we strive to be faithful disciples of Jesus Christ.
Their examples encourage us to trust God even in moments of uncertainty, to serve others with generous hearts, to remain steadfast in prayer, and to joyfully proclaim the Gospel. As we continue our parish’s mission, we honor the rich heritage entrusted to us while building a future rooted in faith, hope, and love.