Saint Casimir: The Humble Noble
“I prefer to be found pure before God rather than stained with the riches of the world.” (St. Casimir)
Saint Casimir lived in the mid-1400s and was born into royalty. His father was the King of Poland. Saint Casimir passed away in his 20s on March 4th due to lung illness. The Church celebrates his feast day annually on that day.
Although in North America Saint Casimir is a lesser-known saint, that is not the case in Eastern Europe, where he is the patron saint of both Poland and Lithuania. Saint Casimir is also the patron saint of young people, but I hope that I will convince you in this article that his example is relevant for people of all ages. His feast day is quite a big deal for many on the other side of the Atlantic. Across Lithuania, for instance, there is a festival, an outdoor market in the streets to celebrate Saint Casimir on the weekend closest to the 4th. For the locals, the Casimir market is known as “Kaziuko mugė.” Notably, the name uses the diminutive form of Casimir, reflecting the relatable nature of this saint to the community members.
I haven’t personally attended the Kaziuko mugė, but I was able to learn more about it from my parents-in-law who live in Lithuania. In fact, my father-in-law shares the same first name as the Saint.
In Vilnius, the capital city of Lithuania, the outdoor market in honour of Saint Casimir has something for everyone. The streets are sure to be crowded with locals and visitors who come out to soak up some traditional music and to purchase the local goodies (edible or not) available for sale at the market. Those goods range from items like local food from the farmers, handmade wooden toys and locally-made pottery and linen for the home.
March 4th often falls during Lent (as it does this year), and interestingly, my parents-in-law told me that as one is permitted to break one’s Lenten observance just for that day! My father-in-law has a few fun stories to share from that day over the years, one of which involved Fr. Casimir, a local priest, who enjoyed celebrating March 4th with the parishioners over a nice glass of wine.
Many churches in Poland and Lithuania are named in this saint's honour. The Church of Saint Casimir in the old part of Vilnius, for example, is a beautiful Baroque-style 17th century Roman Catholic church.
Being humble is noble
Saint Casimir is recognized for his humility. He was a prince at birth and briefly served as king. However, despite his privileged upbringing, he didn't allow the power or riches associated with nobility to get in the way of his devotion to Christ. Instead of seeking material riches or the approval of his father the king, this saint focused on the true King of the Universe, a message that stands the test of time and is relevant for all ages.
Embrace humility during Lent
As we journey through the Lenten season and prepare our hearts for the promise of Easter, let us ask Saint Casimir to intercede for us by breaking down any walls we have built up for ourselves that prevent us from choosing humility in all circumstances.
Sarah Gagliano Taliun is a genetics professor with many interests in addition to studying DNA. She and her husband now call Montreal home. When she is not reading a scientific article or meeting with students, Sarah can be found experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen, reading her Bible or taking a walk in nature.