Saint Casimir

Saint Casimir - Feast Day: March 4

Casimir was born the third son to King Casimir IV, grand duke of Lithuania and the king of Poland, on October 3, 1458. His tutor – Father Dlugosz, the Polish historian, a canon at Krakow and later archbishop of Lwów – was a deeply religious man. He was a strong influence on Saint Casimir.

King Casimir was impressed with his son’s justice and piety, so he gave him a mission: to lead the army against the Turks. During this expedition, St. Casimir became conflicted. He believed the war was wrong, but he felt obligated to honor his father’s request. When his troops deserted because they weren’t paid, he readily returned home. King Casimir, outraged at St. Casimir’s behavior, exiled him.

Saint Casimir used his time in exile to pray, study and serve the poor.  He rebelled against his princely status, wore plain garments and gave of himself to Christ’s poor and sick.

Saint Casimir died from tuberculosis at the age of 25 and was buried in the cathedral in Vilnius. Canonized in 1521, he is the patron of Poland and Lithuania.