Casimir (1458-1484) (Optional memorial)

March 4

The son of the king of Poland, St. Casimir had a fine mind and a pious spirit. At 13, he was sent by his father to Hungary to be king, but he soon renounced the throne and returned to his life of prayer and study, finding he had no taste for war or power.

"He always preferred to be counted among the meek and poor of spirit, among those who are promised the kingdom of ­heaven, than among the famous and powerful men of this world,” wrote his biographer. He did, however, use his privileged position as prince to assist the poor. “Nothing was more pleasant, more desirable for him, than to share his belongings, even to dedicate and give his entire self to Christ’s poor, to strangers, to the sick, to those in captivity, and to all who suffer."

To widows, orphans and the afflicted, he was not only a guardian and patron but a father, son and brother. May the prayers of St. Casimir, patron saint of Poland, inspire us to be good stewards, too, ready to put our gifts, great or small, at the service of those less fortunate.

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