This March, as Lent begins, many of us will immerse ourselves in devotions to two famous saints of March who have captured our hearts: St. Joseph and St. Patrick.
But there is another saint, perhaps less renowned, but much beloved in his native Poland for the kind of undaunted faith and courage that should inspire the whole world. St Casimir (also: Kazimierz) is a wonderful guide and holy example to accompany us this Lent.
Though St. Casimir is often overlooked outside of the Polish world, when we discover him, it can feel like finding a holy friend we wish we knew sooner!
His feast day is March 4, and this year, Shrove Tuesday (the day before Ash Wednesday) falls on the Feast of St. Casimir.
Holy arrangement
Let us look closer at what we can learn from God’s clever arrangement of these two feast days being connected this year. Let’s learn the wisdom of St. Casimir, and how these spiritual treasures can deepen the meaning of our Lent 2025.
Shrove Tuesday, with its name coming from the old English word “shrive,” which means “absolve,” reflects what we are called to do during the 40 days of Lent: pray, fast, and give alms … and also to examine our conscience more deeply, be absolved by going to Confession, and to do penance.
Shrove Tuesday is also the Feast of the Holy Face and a great day to honor the Holy Face of Christ by going to Eucharistic Adoration or offering extra prayers. Feeling inspired? Pray the “Litany of the Holy Face.”
How much more meaningful will our Ash Wednesday be if we spend the previous day honoring the Holy Face of Our Lord, the Face that in His Passion sweated blood in the Garden, received the betraying kiss of Judas, was spat upon, battered, and crowned with thorns. This beautiful face continues to be dishonored even today wherever the Blessed Sacrament is profaned or neglected, and Jesus in the Host is not given proper adoration, respect, and love.
We are called in Lent, more than ever, to adore the Eucharist and spiritually “up our game.”
Saint-prince
St. Casimir had a strong Eucharistic devotion, and it can be said that he lived Lent every day of his life, as he chose to live a life of penance, despite being a mighty prince, the son of King Casimir.
St. Casimir ruled Poland whenever his father was away and was a beloved leader. In fact, this saint-prince, as a member of the royal family, had access to every luxury, but recoiled from self-indulgence, or what he regarded as “softness.” He made sacrifices joyfully, such as rising from sleep to meditate on the Passion of Christ.
St. Casimir was a deeply devout participant at Mass, rapt in holy prayer. He spent a great part of the night in prayer. He often prayed outside of the church when it was still locked, watching for the opening of the doors at dawn.
St. Casimir suffered with tuberculosis and he had been advised to marry, since the doctors thought it would be good for his health. But he refused, preserving his virginity. His kingdom grieved when he died at the age of 23, and many miracles were reported at his tomb.
One hundred and twenty-two years after his death, his tomb was re-opened and emitted a sweet fragrance. He was canonized in 1521.
His song to Mary
One of the most endearing stories of St. Casimir is that he asked to be buried with a hymn to Our Lady and that it should be placed beneath his head. This hymn was his daily prayer to Our Lady and since it is so deeply connected to his heart, it is known as “St. Casimir’s hymn.”
Here are some quotes from St. Casimir’s favorite hymn to inspire us this Lent:
”Daily, daily sing to Mary, Sing, my soul, her praises due.”
St. Casimir reminds us that every day of our lives (and in a special way during Lent), we should honor the Holy Face of our suffering Lord and extol the praises of His Blessed Mother, another way to love Our Lord ... and we should never tire of doing so!
“Tender in her loving care Ever watchful, understanding, All our sorrows she will share.”
This reminds us that Mary will be there for us all Lent long for us to pour out our concerns, prayers, troubles, and hopes -- and she will be walking with us.
Advocate and loving mother, Mediatrix of all grace Heaven’s blessings she dispenses..."
This reminds us that this Lent we should ask our Blessed Mother to send us the graces we need the most, for which we often forget to pray!
How to celebrate this saint
Want some beautiful ways to celebrate the feast of St. Casimir? Go to Mass or Adoration and honor the Holy Face of Jesus in our Eucharistic Lord, and kneel or linger longer than usual in adoration. Thus you recall the way St. Casimir would kneel outside, longing for the Eucharist and waiting for the church doors to be unlocked at dawn.
Pray a guided holy hour inspired by the wisdom of St. Casimir and devotion to the Holy Face of Jesus, available if you sign up here.
Feast on some St. Casimir-inspired foods, such as those famously offered at the annual St. Casimir Fair celebrated each March in Poland and Lithuania, including obwarzanki (bagels) and heart-shaped gingerbread.
St. Casimir, pray for us!
