March 4
Saint Casimir of Poland
Prince, “Father of the Poor”
(1461 – 1484)
“His life of purity and prayer beckons you to practice your faith with courage and zeal, to reject the deceptive attractions of modern permissive society, and to live your convictions with fearless confidence and joy.”
Saint Pope John Paul II commemorating the 500th anniversary of St Casimir’s death in 1984
Coming November 1, 2024 on Amazon
Saint’s Life Story
His Early Life
His Youth
Casimir Jagiellon was born October 3, 1458 in the Wawel Castle, Kraków, Poland. He was the the third of thirteen children born to Poland’s King Casimir IV and his wife Elizabeth of Austria. the third of thirteen children born to Poland’s King Casimir IV and his wife Elizabeth of Austria. From the age of nine, Casimir and his brother Vladislaus were educated by the Polish priest Jan Długosz. The boys were taught Latin and German, law, history, rhetoric, and classical literature. Długosz was a strict and conservative teacher who emphasized ethics, morality, and religious devotion.
Holy at a Young Age
Casimir displayed holiness at an early age. In contrast to the other members of the royal court, he was a shining example of faith, piety, humility, and chastity. He had a great love for the Eucharist and for the Blessed Virgin Mary. After his elder brother Vladislaus was elected as King of Bohemia in 1471, Casimir became the heir apparent.
The Teenage King
Hungarian nobles prevailed upon Casimir’s father to send his 13-year-old son to be their king. Casimir obeyed and took the crown. Casimir was sent to Hungary at the head of an army, but found that he was outnumbered by forces loyal to the Hungarian king. Accepting the advice of his officers, Casimir decided to return home without seeking battle. His father was very angry, and had Casimir imprisoned for three months. The youth, for his part, decided he would never again become involved in military affairs (and thus Casimir is considered the patron saint of conscientious objectors).
Learned the Political Ropes
After his return, Casimir resumed his studies with Dlugosz. He developed a canny grasp of politics by observing his father’s rule. In 1479, his father, the king, left Poland to attend to state business in Lithuania, leaving Prince Casimir in charge of the realm between 1481 and 1483.
In May 1483, Prince Casimir joined his father in Vilnius. There, after the death of Andrzej Oporowski, Bishop and Vice-Chancellor of the Crown, Prince Casimir took over some of his duties in the chancellery. However, his health deteriorated while rumors about his piousness and good deeds spread further.
Fasted and Prayed
Casimir was a charismatic person, who was noted for his strong sense of justice and for his charity. In an atmosphere of luxury and magnificence Casimir fasted. He wore a hair-shirt and slept upon the bare earth. Casimir prayed by night and watched for the opening of the church doors at dawn.
“Father of the Poor”
His charity to the poor and afflicted knew no bounds. Casimir consoled the poor with his gracious words. He frequently helped with generous alms. Casimir was known to visit the sick and served them in their needs. He counted it an honor as Casimir saw in the afflicted one the person of Christ Himself. Thus he earned the title, “Father of the Poor.”
Failed Arranged Marriage
Casimir foresaw the hour of his death. He refused the advice of physicians who told him to marry. The doctors suggested that marriage would improve his health and possibly prolong his life. His father tried to arrange his marriage to Kunigunde of Austria, daughter of Emperor Frederick III. Instead, Casimir chose to die a virgin.
His Death in Grondo, Belarus
At the age of 26, Casimir died on March 4, 1484 in Grondo, Grand Duchy of Lithuania (in modern Belarus), a victim of tuberculosis. He was buried with a copy of a Marian hymn he frequently recited. His remains were interred in Vilnius Cathedral, where the dedicated Saint Casimir’s Chapel was built in 1636. After a lapse of one hundred and twenty years, his body was taken up, and found without the slightest sign of corruption. While the devotion to St. Casimir is most prevalent in Lithuania and Poland, these devotion can be found in other countries as well.
Born: October 3, 1458 in Kraków, Poland
Died: March 4, 1484 in Grondo, Grand Duchy of Lithuania (modern Belarus)
Beatified: Unknown
Canonized: 1522 by Pope Adrian VI or 1602 by Pope Clement VIII
Feast Day: March 4
Patron Saint: Against the Plague; Bachelors; Kings; Lithuania; Poland; Princes; Single Laymen
Source:
Reflection
As head of the army as a teenager, Saint Casimir stood up for what he believed in. He would not led his out numbered and poorly treated troops into battle and returned home. His father ridiculed him for this action and imprisoned his own son for 3 months. Even without his father’s blessing, Saint Casimir decided to never again become involved in military affairs. Instead, Saint Casimir went on to visit the sick and help the poor with alms seeing each afflicted person as Christ Himself.
Do you have the courage to stand up for your beliefs and for the just treatment of others, even when others may look down on you for it? Do you see Christ in the sick and poor afflected ones? Spend some quiet time with the Lord asking for the grace, wisdom and strength to deal with difficult situations you may face today and this week.
Prayers
Saint Casimir of Poland,
You who were a defender of justice and protector of the poor, choosing a life of humility and virtue over wealth and power.
Pray for us that we may have the courage to stand up for what is right and to serve those who are most in need.
Help us to value the treasures of heaven over the fleeting riches of this world and to seek always to do God’s will in all things.
May your legacy encourage us all to strive for the highest ideals and to dedicate our lives to the service of God and others.
We ask this our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever.
Saint Links
Aleteia – This Polish saint chose God over political power
Catholic Culture – St. Casimir
Catholic Ireland – Mar 4 – St Casimir (1458-84)
Catholic News Agency – St. Casimir of Poland Feast Day: Mar 04
Catholic Online – St. Casimir of Poland
CatholicSaints.Info – Saint Casimir of Poland
Editions Magnificant – Saint Casimir Prince of Poland (1458-1483)
Franciscan Media – Saint Casimir
My Catholic Life – Saint Casimir, King 1458–1484
New Advent – Abraham, L. (1908). St. Casimir. In The Catholic Encyclopedia
Rev Alban Butler’s Lives Of The Saints Complete Edition – St Casimir of Poland
Saint for a Minute – Saint Casimir of Poland
Saint Mary’s Press – Saint Casimir (1461-1484)
Saint of the Day – March 04 St. Casimir
uCatholic – Saint Casimir
Wikipedia – Saint Casimir
Video Link
St. Casimir – YouTube Video (Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network – USA)