Saint Casimir
Stored in Cargo: Saint Casimir
| Saint Casimir | |
| Feast Day | March 04 |
|---|---|
| Liturgical Class | |
| Patronage | Lithuania, Poland, Lithuanian youth |
| Birthplace | Kraków, Kingdom of Poland |
| Death Place | Grodno, Grand Duchy of Lithuania |
| Cause of Death | Tuberculosis |
| Primary Shrine | Chapel of Saint Casimir, Vilnius Cathedral, Vilnius, Lithuania |
Saint Casimir, born into the royal Jagiellonian dynasty, was the second son of King Casimir IV and Queen Elizabeth of Austria. Despite his noble birth, he was known for his piety, humility, and dedication to the poor. Rejecting the crown of Hungary at the age of 13, he chose a life of celibacy and prayer, often sleeping on the ground and spending nights in prayer. His life was short, dying at 25 from tuberculosis, but his legacy as a model of Christian virtue and chastity led to his canonization in 1522.
Biography
Birth
Casimir was born on October 3, 1458, in the Wawel Castle, Kraków, Kingdom of Poland.
Early Life
Educated by Johannes Longinus, a Polish chronicler, Casimir was raised with a strong religious foundation amidst the political intrigues of his time.
Occupation
As a prince, he was groomed for leadership but chose a path of spiritual rather than political power.
Vocation
Casimir's vocation was characterized by his refusal to marry and his choice to serve God through acts of charity and prayer.
Death
He died on March 4, 1484, in Grodno, Grand Duchy of Lithuania, from tuberculosis.
Significant events
- Refused the Hungarian crown at age 13, showing his disinterest in worldly power.
- Known for his charitable acts, particularly towards the sick and poor.
Significant locations
Legend
Birth location: None
Death location: None
Notable location:
Notable location:
Notable location:
Notable location:
Notable location:
Death
Casimir died at the young age of 25 from tuberculosis, which he contracted due to his ascetic lifestyle.
Canonization
Servant of God
The process to recognize Casimir as a Servant of God would have begun posthumously, but formal records from this time are sparse.
Venerable
Not applicable as the concept of declaring someone "Venerable" was formalized later.
Beatification
Casimir was not formally beatified; his sainthood was recognized through traditional veneration.
Canonization
Canonized in 1522 by Pope Adrian VI, following the investigation into his life and miracles by papal legates.
Miracles
Specific miracles for Casimir's canonization are not well-documented in contemporary records, but his life was associated with various miracles:
Miracle for beatification
Not applicable.
Miracle for canonization
Not specifically documented, but miracles were generally recognized by the papal legates investigating his life.
Other notable miracles
- Miraculous guidance during a battle in Lithuania against the Russians in 1519.
Patronage
Casimir is the patron saint of Lithuania, Poland, and Lithuanian youth, symbolizing purity, humility, and service to the poor.
Feast day
Saint Casimir's feast day is celebrated on March 4.
Veneration
He is venerated through the annual Kaziuko mugė in Vilnius, where his relics are kept in the Chapel of Saint Casimir in Vilnius Cathedral. He is also remembered through hymns and prayers, particularly in Poland and Lithuania.
Books
Written about the saint
Written by the saint
No known writings by Saint Casimir exist.