St. Casimir

St. Casimir was born in 1461 as the third of thirteen children to King Casimir IV of Poland and Elizabeth of Austria. From the moment of his birth, he was destined for a life of royal privilege and political responsibility. As a prince of Poland, his life was scheduled to cement his father's authority and increase Poland's power through strategic alliances and military campaigns.

However, Casimir realized from an early age that his life belonged to someone else, but to a much higher King than his father. Despite the pressure, humiliation, and rejection that often came with his choices, he stood by that loyalty through his whole life. His commitment to God was evident from childhood, and much of that commitment was the result of his tutor, John Dlugosz, whose holiness encouraged Casimir on his own spiritual journey.

It may be hard for us to imagine royal luxury as a pressure, but for Casimir, the riches around him were temptations to forget his true loyalties. He rebelled against the rich, fashionable clothes he was expected to enjoy, choosing instead to wear the plainest of clothes. This rejection of luxury was not just a personal preference but a deliberate choice to identify with the poor and to avoid the spiritual dangers of materialism.

Casimir's asceticism extended beyond his clothing choices. He rejected even ordinary comforts, sleeping little and spending his nights in prayer. When he did sleep, he lay on the floor rather than on a royal bed. Even though he was a prince, many of those around him must have laughed and joked at his choices. Yet, in the face of any pressure or mockery, Casimir was always friendly and calm, demonstrating the peace that comes from living in accordance with one's deepest convictions.

Though his father must have wondered about him, he must have seen and admired Casimir's strength. However, he showed that he misunderstood this strength when he sent Casimir as head of an army to take over the throne of Hungary at the request of some nobles there. Casimir felt the whole expedition was wrong but was convinced to go out of obedience to his father. He could not help but feel at every step that it was disobedient to his other Father in heaven.

When soldiers started deserting, Casimir was only too glad to listen to the advice of his officers and turn back home. His feelings were confirmed when he discovered that Pope Sixtus IV had opposed the move. This incident demonstrated Casimir's ability to discern God's will and his courage to act accordingly, even when it meant going against his father's plans.

His father, however, was furious at being deterred from his plans and banished Casimir to a castle in Dobzki, hoping that imprisonment would change Casimir's mind. Instead, Casimir's commitment to what he believed was right only grew stronger in his exile, and he refused to cooperate with his father's plans any more despite the pressure to give in. He even rejected a marriage alliance his father tried to form, choosing instead to remain celibate and dedicated to God.

During his exile, Casimir participated in his true King's plans wholeheartedly by praying, studying, and helping the poor. He died at the age of 23 in 1484 from lung disease, having lived a life of extraordinary holiness despite his youth. He was buried with his favorite song, a Latin hymn to Mary called "Omni die dic Mariae" which we know as "Daily, Daily Sing to Mary." Because of his love for the song, it is known as the Hymn of St. Casimir, though he didn't write it.

Liturgical Celebration

The feast of St. Casimir is celebrated on March 4th, commemorating his life as a prince who chose God over royal luxury and became a model of purity and devotion. This feast honors his extraordinary commitment to God at such a young age and his willingness to stand against pressure and temptation. It is a day to remember that holiness is possible at any age and in any station of life.

Historical Context

St. Casimir lived during the late medieval period, a time when the Church was deeply involved in the political and social life of Europe. His life demonstrates how the Gospel can transform even the most privileged members of society and how Christian values can influence political decisions. His example of choosing peace over war and God over political ambition was particularly relevant in a time when many rulers were focused on expanding their territories through military conquest.

Devotional Practices

On his feast day, Catholics pray for his intercession, especially for young people, for those facing pressure to conform to worldly values, for those called to a life of chastity, for the poor and marginalized, and for the nations of Poland and Lithuania. His example inspires us to examine our own loyalties and to choose what serves Christ the King rather than worldly commitments.