St. Maximilian Kolbe was a Polish Franciscan friar born on January 8, 1894. He is best known for his deep faith and commitment to the Catholic Church. During World War II, he was arrested by the Nazis for his efforts to shelter Jews and oppose their regime. He was later imprisoned in Auschwitz, where he volunteered to take the place of a fellow prisoner sentenced to death. On August 14, 1941, St. Maximilian died by lethal injection after enduring severe hardships. He was canonized by Pope John Paul II in 1982 and is recognized as a martyr of charity. His feast day is celebrated on August 14, honoring his selfless sacrifice and dedication to others.