Saint Casimir

Saint Casimir was born on October 3, 1458, in Wawel Castle in Kraków, a prince of Poland and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania and the son of King Casimir IV and Queen Elisabeth of Austria. Gifted in languages and learning, he was formed from childhood by the priest Jan Długosz, who impressed on him a love of virtue, prayer, and moral integrity. As a boy he was drawn into a failed campaign meant to place him on the throne of Hungary, an experience that deepened his seriousness and devotion. As heir to the Polish-Lithuanian realms, Casimir served alongside his father and took on public responsibilities, yet he became best known not for power but for holiness: humility, justice, and generous care for the sick and poor. He is remembered for choosing a chaste, God-centered life even amid plans for a royal marriage. Stricken with illness, likely tuberculosis, he died at just twenty-five on March 4, 1484, and was buried in Vilnius Cathedral. Venerated as patron of Lithuania and Lithuanian youth, Saint Casimir’s feast day is March 4.