Saint Casimir, the patron saint of Poland, Lithuania, and youth, was a prince renowned for his piety, chastity, and deep devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Born on October 3, 1458, in Kraków, Poland, he was the second son of King Casimir IV and Queen Elizabeth of Austria. Raised in a devout Catholic household, he was profoundly influenced by his educator, John Długosz, a historian and canon of Kraków, who instilled in him a love for virtue, prayer, and asceticism.
A Life of Piety and Virtue
Despite being born into royalty, Casimir chose a life of humility, self-denial, and service to God rather than seeking earthly power. He practiced severe mortifications, often sleeping on the ground and wearing rough garments instead of luxurious clothing. His heart was especially devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary, and he frequently recited the hymn “Omni die dic Mariae” (“Daily, Daily, Sing to Mary”), which became closely associated with him.
Refusal of the Crown
At the age of 13, Casimir’s father sent him to Hungary with an army to claim the throne against the usurping king Matthias Corvinus. However, the campaign failed, and rather than pursuing worldly ambitions, Casimir returned to Poland, choosing the path of holiness over politics. He steadfastly refused marriage, preferring to dedicate himself entirely to God.
Devotion to the Poor and the Eucharist
Casimir was deeply committed to acts of charity, caring for the poor and sick, and distributing alms generously. He was also known for his profound reverence for the Holy Eucharist, spending long hours in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament.
Early Death and Canonization
His intense asceticism and rigorous fasting weakened his health, and he eventually succumbed to tuberculosis on March 4, 1484, at the young age of 25. He died in Grodno (modern-day Belarus), and his remains were later transferred to Vilnius, Lithuania, where he was buried in the Cathedral of St. Stanislaus and St. Ladislaus.
Miracles attributed to his intercession led to his canonization by Pope Leo X in 1521. His feast day is March 4, and he is honored as the patron of Lithuania, Poland, and young people. His incorrupt body, enshrined in Vilnius, continues to be a source of veneration.
Legacy and Patronage
Saint Casimir remains a model of youthful holiness, purity, and devotion to Our Lady. His life reminds us that sanctity is possible even in positions of wealth and influence when one places God above all earthly honors.
“Daily, daily sing to Mary,
Sing, my soul, her praises due!
All her feasts, her actions honor,
With the heart’s devotion true.”
— A hymn associated with St. Casimir’s Marian devotion.