When a young St. Casimir took a stand against political aggression, he paid a price for it, but the punishment only deepened his commitment to peace.

He was born a prince in 15th century Poland, third in line for the throne. Even as a young child, he was known for his piety and devotion, which was encouraged and strengthened by a holy man who tutored him and other children of the court.

Even though he lived in the royal household, Casimir refused to let luxuries obscure his loyalty to God. He dressed very plainly and slept on the bare ground. He prayed often and used fasting to sharpen his will and faithfulness. He had a great devotion to Mary and gave away what he could to the poor.

When he was 15 years old, nobles in Hungary expressed dissatisfaction with their king, and pleaded with the Polish king, Casimir’s father, to send Casimir to take the throne. Casimir protested, but eventually took on the mission out of obedience to his father.

While he was on his way to Hungary with the Polish army, the Hungarian king organized his own army. As conflict drew near, Polish soldiers began to desert because they had not been paid. Casimir welcomed the advice from his military leaders to return home.

His father was furious that Casimir was not helping him expand his kingdom, and locked Casimir away in a castle for three months. Casimir’s resolution toward peace grew only deeper, and he never again participated in political aggression. Later, his father arranged a marriage for him to unify a part of the kingdom, but he refused because he had dedicated himself to God through a life of chastity.

Casimir was only 23 was when died of lung disease on this date in 1484. His relics rest in the reliquary chapel in the Basilica. He is the patron saint of Poland and Lithuania.

This image from the main cathedral of Lithuania depicts Casimir with two right hands as a sign of his great generosity to the poor. He holds a rosary, a sign of his life of prayer and devotion to Mary, and a lily, which signifies his purity and innocence.

St. Casimir, patron saint of Poland and Lithuania who dedicated his life to peace and the poor—pray for us!