|
A teenage conscientious objector is the patron saint of Poland and
Lithuania. Casimir, was born of kings and in line (third among thirteen
children) to be a king himself, was filled with exceptional values and
learning by a great teacher, John Dlugosz. Even his critics could
not say that his conscientious objection indicated softness. Even
as a teenager, Casimir lived a highly disciplined, even severe life,
sleeping on the ground, spending s great part of the night in prayer and
dedicating himself to life long celibacy.
When nobles of Hungary
became dissatisfied with their king, they prevailed upon Casimir's
father, the king of Poland, to send his son to take over the country.
Casimir obeyed his father, as many young men over the centuries have
obeyed their government. The army he was supposed to lead was
clearly outnumbered by the "enemy"; some of his troops were deserting
because they were not paid. At the advice of his officers, Casimir
decided to return home. His father was irked at the failure of his
plans, and confined his fifteen year-old son for three months. The
lad made up his mind never again to become involved in the wars of his
day, and no amount of persuasion could change his mind. He
returned to prayer and study, maintaining his decision to remain
celibate even under pressure to marry the emperor's daughter. He
reigned briefly as king of Poland during his father's absence. He
died of lung trouble at twenty-three while visiting Lithuania, of which
he was also Grand Duke. He was buried in Vilnius, Lithuania.
COMMENT:
For many years Poland
and Lithuania faded into gray prison on the other side of the Iron
Curtain. Despite repression, the Poles and Lithuanians remained
firm in the faith which has become synonymous with their name.
Their youthful patron reminds us: Peace is not won by war;
sometimes a comfortable peace is not even won by virtue, but Christ's
peace can penetrate every government repression of religion.
STORY: Casimir had a great love of the Mother of God; in
particular he loved the great Marian hymn, Omni die dic Mariae
(translated, not literally, as "Daily, daily, sing to Mary"). He
asked a copy of it to be buried with him.
 |