Saint Casimir
Patron saint of Poland and Lithuania ,
Casimir was born on October 3, 1458, at the royal palace of Cracow .
His father was Casimir IV, King of Poland and Grand Prince of Lithuania.
His mother was Elizabeth of Austria, daughter of Emperor Albrecht II of Habsburg.
The Royal couple had six sons and five daughters. Casimir was their third child and their second son. His grandfather was Jogaila, one of the most influential of the Lithuanian grand dukes.
It was his grandfather, together with his cousin Vytautas, who Christianized Lithuania. Casimir was of both Lithuanian and German descent. He was, however, raised and educated in Poland.
The young prince grew up to be a gifted, well-educated and virtuous youth, displaying holiness at an early age.
In time, Prince Casimir’s older brother obtained the throne of Bohemia, as the second son, the saint became the successor to his father's throne.
When he was about 16 or 17 years old, he began traveling with his father throughout the kingdom, attending meetings of the State Council, and receptions of representatives of foreign countries, in order to gain experience in affairs of state. When he reached the age of 22, his father assigned him an active part in the government.
Casimir reportedly refused to obey his father when he ordered him to lead an army against King Matthias I Corvinus of Hungary. He believed that an attempt to seize the Hungarian throne was unjust and he did not take part in it.
He was confined to the Castle of Dzoki as punishment. He also refused to marry as his father commanded.
When his father was away from Poland, Casimir served as regent of the nation.
Casimir died from tuberculosis on March 4, 1484 while visiting Grodno , Lithuania . The Prince had lived for only twenty-five years and five months. His body was brought for burial to the Cathedral of Vilnius.
His tomb became famous for miracles.
He was canonized in 1522 by Pope Adrian VI.
Saint Casimir is also Patron of the Knights of Saint John. He is invoked against enemies of Poland as well as enemies of the Faith.
Saint Casimir
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Casimir, his brothers and sisters and their mother the Queen often accompanied the King in his annual trips to the Grand Duchy of Lithuania.
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