St. Casimir of Poland

Just a moment here to recognize St. Casimir, the patron saint of Poland and Lithuania, on his feast day. Our saint was raised in the midst of royal luxury and political intrigue, but kept his distance from worldliness and tried his best to avoid being involved in bad political moves, while maintaining the height of piety and charity to the poor and a love for his people throughout his short lifetime. As a second son, he was not heir to the throne of Poland; His father, King  Casimir IV, however, tried to maneuver a political takeover of Hungary with St. Casimir at the head of the Polish army. Casimir, out of obedience, did lead the charge, so to speak, but the attempt failed, much to Casimir's relief. The only crown he ever wanted was heavenly. He died in 1484 of tuberculosis at the age of only 23. 

 A good way to celebrate the day is singing (or listening to) the following hymn. Doing a little research, I found there seems to be some debate as to whether he actually wrote this, translated it or just liked it, especially. I've always heard, however, that he is the author, but I'm sure, regardless, that it must please him to hear it sung on his feast day! An easy tune for the littlest ones to learn.

Daily, Daily Sing to Mary

Daily, daily sing to Mary,

Sing, my soul, her praises due.

All her feasts, her actions worship

With the heart's devotion true.

Lost in wond'ring contemplation,

Be her Majesty confess'd.

Call her Mother, call her Virgin,

Happy Mother, Virgin blest.

*

She is mighty to deliver.

Call her, trust her lovingly.

When the tempest rages round thee,

She will calm the troubled sea.

Gifts of heaven she has given,

Noble Lady, to our race.

She, the Queen, who decks her subjects

With the light of God's own grace.

*

Sing, my tongue, the Virgin's trophies

Who for us her Maker bore.

For the curse of old inflicted,

Peace and blessing to restore.

Sing in songs of peace unending,

Sing the world's majestic Queen.

Weary not nor faint in telling.

All the gifts she gives to men.

Sung by our Mount St. Michaels Singing Nuns:

* Prayers going up today for two of our favorite Religious, Fr. Casimir, and Sr. Kazimiera!

* Nice little nutshell biography, suitable for reading to the children, here.

* Interesting to note that, being the third of thirteen children, he was one of our highly blessed families!

Prayer on the feast of St. Casimir

O God, who preserved Your servant Casimir
constant and faithful in Your service
amidst the delights of a court,
and the attractive allurements of the world,
grant, we ask You, that by his intercession
Your people may despise the transitory things of the world
and eagerly pursue things which are eternal:
through Jesus Christ our Lord.