| Feast day | January 20 |
| Death | 250 |
St. Casimir (1461-1484) was a prince of the Kingdom of Poland and the Grand Duchy of Lithuania, known for his deep piety, devotion to God, and acts of charity. Born on October 3, 1458, in Wawel Castle, Kraków, he was the second son of King Casimir IV and Queen Elizabeth of Austria.
Key Highlights of His Life
Early Life and Education: Casimir was well-educated, learning Latin, German, law, history, rhetoric, and classical literature. He was known for his devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary and often prayed the hymn “Daily, Daily Sing to Mary”2.
Spiritual Devotion: From a young age, Casimir showed a strong commitment to his faith. He practiced penitential acts, slept on the floor, and spent nights in meditation on the Passion of Christ2.
Acts of Charity: Casimir was known for his generosity towards the poor and the sick. He often gave away his possessions to those in need1.
Martyrdom: Casimir died on March 4, 1484, at the age of 25, likely from tuberculosis. He was buried in Vilnius Cathedral.
Canonization: His canonization was initiated by his brother, King Sigismund I the Old, in 1514, and he was canonized by Pope Leo X in 1521 or Pope Clement VIII in 1602.
Legacy and Patronage
Saint Casimir is the patron saint of Lithuania and Lithuanian youth. His feast day is celebrated on March 4th. In Vilnius, his feast day is marked with the Kaziuko mugė, a trade fair held on the Sunday nearest to the anniversary of his death.
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