| The History of the Life of St. Casimir |
| St. Casimir's life story is rather unique. He was the 2nd son of Casimir, King of Poland, who was also the leader and Grand Duke of Lithuania. The young prince, Casimir was well educated not only in the ways of royalty, but also in leadership and education. Under his father's direction he became experienced in the practical affairs of state, assisting his father in the royal chancery, the courts, and other administrative offices. While his father was ruling Lithuania he sent Casimir back to Poland to rule. At the age of twenty, Casimir paid off the mortgages on his father's castles and replenished the treasury. He stamped out open banditry in the countryside. He was so renowned for his justice that he was called by the people, "defender of the poor". One of his biographers wrote of him, "To widows, orphans and the oppressed he was not only a protector, not only a guardian, but father, son, and brother as well". While another wrote, "He was very wise and virtuous and all the people could only speak much good about him". It was his faith and great love of God, however, which dominated Casimir's life and all of his decisions. Although a prince destined to be king, Casimir lived an intense life of the spirt. He was accustomed to visiting shrines in the quiet of night and would often be found early in the morning lost in prayer at the closed doors of the church. His prayer was so intense that he often forgot to eat despite the insistence of his parents. Casimir did not take on the ways of the royal court, instead chosing a modest, chaste and simple life-style. He chose not to marry despite the pressures of his parents as only a pure heart could pour forth the love which he displayed for the poor and unfortunate. His devotion to Our Lady was second only to his love of God. He saw Mary in the light of Christ's redemption, so much so, that in the prayer he composed in honor of the Mother of God, he incorporated almost all the mysteries of the incarnation of Our Lord. Everyday he would honor Mary by singing, a medieval hymn, "Daily, daily, sing to Mary..." While still a young man Casimir fell ill to a chronic disease, perhaps T.B., which many feel he may have contracted from his work among the poor. He died at the age of twenty-six in Gardinas, Lithuania in 1484. The miracles wrought by his body after death were numerous: the bling saw, the lame walked, the sick were healed, a dead girl was raised to life. When his casket was opened one hundred and twenty-two years later they found his body incorrupt and a copy of the hymn, "Daily, daily sing to Mary" written in his own hand. Written on top of the paper were these words: "Everyday prayer of the most noble Prince Casimir". Upon his canonization, St. Casimir was declared to be the patron of youth. His devotion quickly spread to Bavaria and other lands where the members of his Hapsburg family ruled. He remains the patron of Lithuania and Poland to this day and a noble example for our youth. The Knigts of Lithuania organization also honors him as the patron saint of the organization. St. Casimir, pray for us! Thank you for learning more about the life of St. Casimir. Return to Homepage Return to St. Casimir Guild, Inc. page The Hymn heard on this page is compliments of composer, Faustas Strolia, HM and his son, Paul Strolia. |
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