MrDavies_BCA

In July 1941, three prisoners escaped from Auschwitz. As a warning, the Deputy Commander ordered 10 men to be chosen to be starved to death in an underground bunker. When one of the selected men Franciszek Gajowniczek heard he was selected, he cried out “My wife! My children!” At this point, Fr. Kolbe volunteered to take his place. The Nazi commander replied, “What does this Polish pig want?” Father Kolbe pointed with his hand to the condemned Franciszek Gajowniczek and repeated: “I am a Catholic priest from Poland; I would like to take his place because he has a wife and children.” The men were led away to the underground bunker where they were to be starved to death. It is said that in the bunker, Kolbe would lead the men in prayer and singing hymns. After two weeks, all the prisoners, except Kolbe had died due to dehydration and starvation. Because the guards wanted the cell emptied Fr. Kolbe were executed with a lethal injection. Those present say he calmly accepted death, lifting up his arm and blessing his executioners.