St. Casimir of Poland

Although St. Casimir was born a prince of Poland in 1458, he dedicated his short life to serving God and others. He was devoted to the Holy Eucharist and the Virgin Mary. He died at the young age of twenty-six from tuberculosis. St. Casimir was buried with the following prayer to the Blessed Virgin in his hands.

Latin Version

Omni die
Dic Mariae
Mea laudes anima:
Ejus festa,
Ejus gesta
Cole devotissima.

English translation:

Daily, daily
Sing to Mary
Sing, my soul, her praises due!
All her feasts,
Her actions worship
With heart's devotion true.

St. Casimir did not write this hymn but recited it daily.

St. Casimir's feast day is on March 4.

The Peace Maker

The Polish people gave St. Casimir the title of "The Peace Maker". St. Casimir took it upon himself to live an austere life, even from childhood. He slept on the floor, fasted, spent night praying and meditating, wore nondescript clothing with irritating sackcloth underneath. In spite of all these sacrifices, St. Casimir was always happy and at peace, passing his cheerfulness on to the people around him.

Patron Saint of Poland and Lithuania

St. Casimir is venerated by many Lithuanian and Polish Catholics today who recite a St. Casimir prayer and wear the St. Casimir medal. These Catholics continue St. Casimir's devotion to the Blessed Virgin, displaying his image on a St. Casimir charm or a St. Casimir necklace. They pray to St. Casimir, asking his intercession with the Virgin Mary for her mercy and kindness.

Prayer to St. Casimir

All-powerful God, to serve you is to reign: by the prayers of St. Casimir, help us to serve you in holiness and justice. Grant this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.