(1458-1484) Casimir was the second son of King Casimir IV of Poland. His brother was elected King of Bohemia, and Casimir became the heir apparent in Poland. At 13 years old, Hungarian nobles wanted to install him as King of Hungary, which led to a failed military campaign, and after which Casimir withdrew from being king. He became known for his devotion to God, generosity to the sick and poor, and his love of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Casimir practiced extreme discipline and lifelong celibacy, despite an attempt by his father at an arranged marriage with the daughter of Emperor Frederick III. He died at the age of 25, likely from tuberculosis.
A Catholic ascetic, or one who practices extreme self-discipline based on Catholic theology, does so to make a prayer of their sacrifice as an offering to God. Casimir, like many others, gave up his sexuality for God. What parts of your life are hardest to turn over to the care of God?
“I would rather die than not live as a virgin. If I had a thousand lives, I would sacrifice them all to remain a virgin” (Saint Casimir).
Reflection by Brad Farmer