Earlier this month, the Universal Church celebrated the feast day of St. Casmir of Poland, known as “The peace maker” and “The patron of the poor.” Born to King Casmir IV and Elizabeth of Austria, Casmir was the third of 13 children. He was educated by John Dlugosz, a canon of Cracow and a learned historian who excelled in the virtue of humility.
It is said that the common denominator of all saints is an intense love for the Most Blessed Sacrament and the poor. This saint was no exception. He was often seen at the Holy Sacrifice of the Mass “rapt in a trance.” St. Casmir had a special devotion to the passion of Christ and frequently meditated on the sufferings of Jesus. He also had exceptional love and devotion to the Blessed Mother and often recited the hymn known to us as “Daily, daily sing to Mary.”
He excelled in the practices of personal prayer by rising during the night to pray, and penance by wearing a hair shirt. Have you ever pondered what wearing a hair shirt was like? I often wonder after each haircut since, despite the best efforts by the barber vacuuming the neck and collar, some hair fragments invariably fall under the shirt and onto the skin causing some itching and discomfort. There goes any miniscule merit of mine by even mentioning it here….
We know from the first letter of John the evidence of our love of God is our love for our neighbor. This was evident in the heroic actions of St. Casmir. He gave all he had to the poor and destitute and used his influence on their behalf with his father (the king of Poland) and his brother Wladislas (the king of Bohemia). His father most likely never tired of his requests on behalf of the poor since they were sometimes daily. Despite the pleas to become the king of Hungary, Casmir refused all offers of position and power. He also had the reputation of always being approachable to those in need. Although he never entered religious life he was committed, in practice, to a life of poverty, chastity and obedience- obedience to our Divine Savior.
In addition to his love for Christ and His presence in the poor, Casmir also had a ‘sweet spot’ in his heart for the sick and suffering. It is most likely from them that he contracted tuberculosis, which became a personal death sentence for him. He died at the early age of 26 in the year 1484. In addition to being the patron saint of Poland and Lithuania, he is venerated by young people as a model of purity.
How invaluable it is reading and studying the lives of the saints because from them, we can learn how they applied the tenets of the gospel in a concrete way.
Let us, like St. Casmir, meditate on the sufferings of Jesus Christ who died so we would live, especially during this holy season of Lent. Let us like him spend time each week in front of the Most Blessed Sacrament in prayer. We will then grow in our knowledge that Christ is present in our neighbor including those in dire need.
My prayer is that you have a blessed Lenten preparation for the glorious season of Easter, when we celebrate our Savior’s defeat of sin and death!
St. Casmir, pray for us!
-
Youth Protection +
-
Evangelization & Catechesis +
-
Catholic Schools +
-
Youth Ministry +
-
Family Life & Discipleship +
-
News & Media +
-
Directory, Maps & Mass Times +
-
Diocese Home +
