Driving from Berlin to Warsaw took roughly fourteen hours. I don’t know how many times you may have been on a bus for fourteen hours with forty other people, but for me it was the first time in my life I was on a bus for that long of a time period. As a result of being on the bus for so long, everyone really looked forward to the opportunities we had to stop and take a break to stretch our legs. So, as we pulled up to a church building to get off and stretch our legs and use the wc, the majority of the bus was happy just to leave the bus. They really could care less about where they were.
The place that our tour director selected for our final rest stop en route to Warsaw was Niepokalanow (which is a part of Teresin). In Niepokalanow, there is a small neighborhood, a train that connects them to Warsaw, and the church/ museum that we visited (The Saint Maximilian Museum). As I said earlier, I was just happy to get off the bus. Little did I expect to be moved in a such a profound way at what was essentially a bathroom break for everyone. While my tour companions went to the washroom and took pictures of the locals dancing to the Macarena, I went inside the museum and learned about an incredible man named St. Maximilian Kolbe.
A tour guide made an excellent point about the museum dedicated to St. Maximilian. He observed that in ancient Greek times that the word moueion meant “a temple of remembrance-goodness, which became the mother of the muse, protector of the various arts and studies. Thus temples of muse used to be called museums as well as schools and institutions searching for the truth.” St. Maximilian was a man that is worthy of remembering because he was driven by God to help others. This is extremely evident in his life actions, most importantly his death.
St. Maximilian was killed in Auschwitz after remaining in prison at the camp for over a year. He was in a block that was created for political prisoners that was known to torture and deprive individuals (more than other individuals who were in the general camp). As you can imagine, this was an extremely difficult situation. What makes this situation unique and relevant to the Universe of Obligation was the choice he made. Unlike many others, he had a choice; he did not have to go to Auschwitz. He went in place of another individual who had a family. He ultimately laid down his life and counseled others in the camp while he was there. He helped someone knowing that it would probably cost him his life.
Here is a link to find out more about this incredible man: http://www.marytown.com/default.aspx
St. Maximilian Kolbe on PhotoPeach
Hi Brandon!! I've been reading your entries and it sounds like you're learning soooo much out there. Reading about history and places is one thing, but actually being there must totally blow your mind! I have to say that I am learning so much from reading your blog!! Can't wait to see all of your pictures!!! Be safe and enjoy this once in a lifetime journey!!!
ReplyDeleteHi Brandon, It sounds like you are having a fabulous trip and incredible learning experience. I have always been so intrigued with the whole concept of World War II and the Holocaust. When I was in the classroom, my 8th graders always read various novels about WWII and we incorporated our unit with History. We were fortunate to have a Holocaust survivor that was hidden while the rest of his family were taken to Auschwitz; there were no survivors. He showed us pictures, told us stories and his wife showed us her concentration camp "stamp," as she called it. She could not tell us where she was, nor did she want to share anything more with us. They were both 15 years old during this time. It had a real impact on my students and made them realize that they were not the only ones who deal with prejudices. Take care and I look forward to hearing more about your trip!
ReplyDeleteJackie Griffiths