March 4, 2011 Friday: St. Casimir
St. Casimir
Casimir was born in Cracow, Poland, on October 3, 1458. He was the third of thirteen children born to Casimir IV, king of Poland, and Elizabeth of Austria.
From his childhood, Casimir was taught to live a life of holiness and charity. He preferred to wear plain clothes rather than the fine garments a prince was expected to wear. He spent time each day in prayer, and devoted himself to penance. He got into the habit of always remembering that he was in God’s presence. Because of this, he was cheerful and kind to everyone. He was especially devoted to the sufferings of Jesus, to the Holy Mass, and to the Blessed Virgin Mary. In her honor, he recited a beautiful hymn very often. The name of the hymn is “Daily, Daily, Sing to Mary.” His hand-written copy of this hymn was buried with him.
When he was thirteen, Casimir’s father pressured him to lead an army against the king of nearby Hungary and seize the throne, making himself the king. But Casimir was convinced that he had no right to do it, so he refused. Casimir was never healthy, yet he was courageous and strong in character. He always did what he knew was right. Sometimes he would even advise his father, the king, to rule the people fairly. He did this with great respect, and his father listened to him.
Casimir’s parents found a very beautiful and virtuous young woman for him to marry. But Casimir chose to remain single. He wanted to give his heart to God alone.
While in Lithuania on an assignment of service for that country, Casimir became ill with tuberculosis. He died at the age of twenty-six. He was proclaimed a saint by Pope Leo X in 1521. St. Casimir is the patron of Poland and Lithuania.
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St. Casimir helps us see that even if we are not physically strong or healthy, we can still be strong in character. We can always stand up for what is right, but in a kind and respectful way.
-Daughters of St. Paul
Casimir was born in Cracow, Poland, on October 3, 1458. He was the third of thirteen children born to Casimir IV, king of Poland, and Elizabeth of Austria.
From his childhood, Casimir was taught to live a life of holiness and charity. He preferred to wear plain clothes rather than the fine garments a prince was expected to wear. He spent time each day in prayer, and devoted himself to penance. He got into the habit of always remembering that he was in God’s presence. Because of this, he was cheerful and kind to everyone. He was especially devoted to the sufferings of Jesus, to the Holy Mass, and to the Blessed Virgin Mary. In her honor, he recited a beautiful hymn very often. The name of the hymn is “Daily, Daily, Sing to Mary.” His hand-written copy of this hymn was buried with him.
When he was thirteen, Casimir’s father pressured him to lead an army against the king of nearby Hungary and seize the throne, making himself the king. But Casimir was convinced that he had no right to do it, so he refused. Casimir was never healthy, yet he was courageous and strong in character. He always did what he knew was right. Sometimes he would even advise his father, the king, to rule the people fairly. He did this with great respect, and his father listened to him.
Casimir’s parents found a very beautiful and virtuous young woman for him to marry. But Casimir chose to remain single. He wanted to give his heart to God alone.
While in Lithuania on an assignment of service for that country, Casimir became ill with tuberculosis. He died at the age of twenty-six. He was proclaimed a saint by Pope Leo X in 1521. St. Casimir is the patron of Poland and Lithuania.
❦
St. Casimir helps us see that even if we are not physically strong or healthy, we can still be strong in character. We can always stand up for what is right, but in a kind and respectful way.
-Daughters of St. Paul
