Casimir, son of the King of Poland, was brought up from his childhood in the love of God and in learning. He tamed his youthful body by wearing a hair-shirt, and weakened it with continual fasting. Indefatigable in contemplating the Passion of Christ, he never slackened in the spirit of prayer. He was most zealous in promoting the Catholic faith and in doing away with the schism of the Ruthenians; So helpful and kind was he to the poor and to all those afflicted by any calamity that he earned the name of father and defender of the needy. He preserved his virginity intact all his life. Made perfect in a short time, filled with grace and merits, he gave up his spirit to God on the day, which he had foretold, in the twenty-fifth year of his age. He was famous for many miracles, and Leo X numbered him among the Saints.
V. The Lord led the just man in right paths.
R. And showed him the kingdom of God.
LET US PRAY
O Lord, You gave St. Casimir strength and constancy amid the delights of a royal court and the seductions of the world. Through his intercession, grant that Your faithful may despise the things of earth and keep aspiring after the good things of heaven. This we ask of You through our Lord.
SC Taken from the Roman Breviary
Feast Day: March 4 |
