Saint Casimir (1458–1484) was a prince of Poland, son of King Casimir IV, raised in Kraków and known from his youth for deep piety, chastity, and devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary. He refused to seize the Hungarian crown by force and devoted himself to prayer and care for the poor. He died of tuberculosis at age 25 in Grodno and was canonized in 1522; he is the patron of Poland and Lithuania.
Casimir shows that holiness is possible amid wealth and power: surrounded by royal luxury, he chose simplicity, purity, and generosity to the poor. His example invites us to put fidelity to God above ambition and to live our state in life with integrity.
Almighty God, who gave Saint Casimir the grace to serve you in purity of heart amid the courts of kings, grant that through his intercession we may seek your kingdom above all earthly honors. Amen.