The Man Who Stepped Forward

In July 1941, at the Auschwitz concentration camp, a prisoner escaped. Nazi protocol demanded ten men die in retaliation. As the commandant read the names aloud, one selected man — Franciszek Gajowniczek — collapsed, crying out for his wife and children.

Then something happened that stunned the entire camp.

A Catholic priest stepped out of the line. Father Maximilian Kolbe, prisoner 16670, walked calmly toward the commandant and said, "I am a Catholic priest. I wish to die in place of this prisoner." He pointed to the weeping man. "He has a wife and children."

The commandant paused. Then, without explanation, he agreed.