Tuesday, 4 March 2014
Patron of Youth
We need role models who are lay people, regardless of rank or status. St. Casimir, like St. Edward, is called "confessor" as he was willing to stand up for the Faith in public-to confess his faith.
However, this role model died at the very young age of 23 or 25, depending on the source, after being persecuted by his father, and misunderstood by his family. He was a true intellectual genius of sorts as well as being a young man of peace and charity.
To be a prince is not to be a person who can choose one's life. Casimir was able to become holy in a short period of time, being blessed at such a young age with graces of charity and piety.
We need young saints. We need role models who are in the world but not of the world.
St. Casimir is one. His dates are October 3, 1458 – March 4, 1484. He is the patron saint of both Lithuania and Poland.