The feast day of St. Casimer is celebrated on March 4.
St. Casimer was born to the King of Poland, King Casimer IV and Elizabeth of Austria in 1469. He was the third of thirteen children.
From an early age, Casimer was drawn to a life committed to God. He rebelled against a rich lifestyle, wearing only plain clothes. He slept little, preferring prayer. When he did sleep, he slept on the floor rather than in a bed meant for royalty. He was mocked for his faith and lifestyle but he chose to ignore it.
Out of obedience to his father, he led an army to take over the throne of Hungary even though he felt it was wrong. After soldiers began to desert he turned the army around and returned home. His angry father banished him to a castle in Debski. Casimer refused to cooperate with his father anymore. He preferred to spend time in prayer to the true king in his life, Christ. Choosing to remain celibate, he refused to marry the emperor’s daughter.
For a short time St. Casimer reigned as king of Poland during his father’s absence. St. Casimer was also the Grand Duke of Lithuania.
While visiting Lithuania, he died at the age of 23 from tuberculosis in 1482. He was buried in Vilnius, Lithuania with his favorite song; “Omni die die Mariae” which is Latin for “Daily, Daily, Sing to Mary.” It became known as the Hymn of St. Casimer even though he had not written the hymn.
There is no saint without a past, no sinner without a future.
Quote of St. Augustine of Hippo; Feast day August 28
March is the Month of St. Joseph