St. Casimir
The Prince of the Poor
"Love God above all things, and your neighbor as yourself."
Saint Facts
- Origin:
- Poland
- Gender:
- Male
- Vocation:
- Laity
- Birth:
- 1458
- Feast Day:
- Mar 4
- Death:
- 1484
Saint Details
St. Casimir, born on October 3, 1458, in Krakow's Wawel Castle, was the second son of King Casimir IV Jagiellon and Queen Elizabeth of Austria. Despite his royal status, he became renowned for his piety and dedication to serving the poor. At the age of 13, Casimir participated in a failed military campaign to claim the Hungarian throne, a venture he eventually abandoned due to lack of support and opposition from the Pope. This experience deepened his commitment to prayer and study, leading him to renounce worldly ambitions.
Casimir lived a life of austerity, wearing simple garments and rejecting an arranged marriage with the daughter of the Holy Roman Emperor. He spent his time in prayer, often kneeling outside church doors before dawn, and was known for his generosity to the poor. In 1481, he served as regent in Krakow, managing the royal treasury effectively and maintaining good relations with Rome. Casimir died on March 4, 1484, at the age of 25, likely due to tuberculosis. His canonization was initiated by his brother, King Sigismund I, and he was formally canonized in 1522 by Pope Adrian VI. Today, St. Casimir is revered as the patron saint of Poland and Lithuania, celebrated for his Marian devotion and charitable works. His legacy continues to inspire religious devotion and social justice efforts.
Associated Holy Sites
Church of St. Casimir
Didžioji g. 34, 01128 Vilnius, Lithuania
Vilnius Cathedral
Šventaragio g., 01143 Vilnius, Lithuania
Details for: Church of St. Casimir
The Church of St. Casimir, located in Vilnius, Lithuania, is a significant religious site dedicated to Saint Casimir, the patron saint of Lithuania and youth. Built in the early 17th century, this Baroque-style church is renowned for its striking architecture, including a distinctive crown-shaped dome symbolizing the royal heritage of Saint Casimir. Pilgrims visit the church to venerate the saint, whose remains are enshrined in a silver sarcophagus within the church. Saint Casimir is celebrated for his piety, humility, and dedication to serving the poor, making the church a place of spiritual reflection and devotion. The site holds particular importance during the annual Feast of St. Casimir on March 4th, when thousands gather for special masses and processions. The church also serves as a symbol of Lithuanian national identity and resilience, having endured periods of closure and restoration throughout its history. For pilgrims, it is a place to seek inspiration from the life of Saint Casimir and to connect with Lithuanias rich Catholic heritage.
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