St. Maximilian Kolbe: 'The Saint and Hero at Auschwitz' and His Visits To Sri Lanka in the 1930s

St. Maximian Kolbe, during his missionary travels to and from Japan, China and India, visted Sri Lanka (then known as Ceylon) in 1930, 1932 and 1933. The impressions he formed during these visits as recorded in his contemporary writings-letters, diaries, notes and article, provide a fascinating read.

- BY PRABHATH DE SILVA

March 1930

Whilst in transit and staying aboard a ship anchored in the port of Colombo for two days in March 1930 (March 24-25), St. Maximilian Kolbe and his fellow missionaries, Br. Zygmunt and Br. Seweryn visited several notable locations in the city of Colombo. These included the Colombo Catholic Press, described by him as 'the print shop of the Oblate Fathers of Mary Immaculate (OMI)' which published "The Messenger of the Heart of Jesus" in English and Sinhalese; a leading Catholic school; St. Anthony's Church, Kochchikade; and the Post Office to buy postcards. He also distributed the Miraculous Medals at the places he visited.

In his notes, he also makes mention of the tropical 'summer heat', 'palm trees' (a likely reference to the coconut trees), the sight of 'a Buddhist monk', 'street cars' (tram cars) and 'cab drivers' in Colombo. He attentively observed the devotional gestures of the faithful - 'bowing', 'partly removing turbans', 'joining hands', 'kneeling', and placing 'hands on the glass' of the vitrine encasing the statue of St. Anthony whilst praying to him. He calls them 'such good souls!'.

His notes of Tuesday, March 25, 1930 (Feast of the Annunciation of Most Holy Virgin Mary) record celebrating the 'Mass and Communion according to the intentions of the Immaculate, and speaks of a late afternoon 'typhoon', 'storm' and rain, and of 'jumping fish' being 'tossed here and there'. In a parting remark, he also recorded that he had got into the boat to return to the ship, leaving the city of Colombo, 'taking along pleasant impressions.'

[Source: March 24,25 1930 Monday Tuesday - Ceylon, port [Colombo]: The Writings of St Maximilian Maria Kolbe, Volume II Various writings, nr 991 A, Daily Notes, Notebook IV (1930-1933)page 1713-1714 Nerbini International 2016]

Summer (JuneJuly) 1932