Saint Casimir 

There will be a Mass on Saturday, March 4, 2023 at 6:00PM to observe the feast of our parish patron saint and of Lithuania. St. Casimir grew up in a world where his life was not his own. As a prince of Poland and Grand Duchy of Lithuania, the second son of King Casimir IV and Elizabeth of Austria, Casimir's life was meant to keep his father's authority and increase Poland’s power. However at an early age, he believed that his life belonged to someone else, to a much higher King than his father. Despite pressure, humiliation, and rejection, he stood by that loyalty through his whole life. The third of thirteen children, he was committed to God from childhood. Some of that commitment was the result of a tutor, John Dlugosz, whose holiness encouraged Casimir on his own journey. It may be hard for us to imagine of royal luxury as a pressure, but for Casimir, the riches around him were temptations to forget his true loyalties. Rebelling against a crown, robe and fashionable clothes, he wore only the plainest clothes. Rejecting even ordinary comforts, he slept little, spending his nights in prayer. And when he did sleep, he would lay on the floor and not on a royal bed. Even though he was a prince, many of those around him must have laughed and joked at his choices. Yet, in the face of any pressure, he was always friendly and calm. Though his father must have wondered about him, he must have seen and admired Casimir's strength. He showed that he misunderstood this strength when he sent him as head of an army to take over the throne of Hungary at the request of some nobles there. Casimir felt the whole expedition was wrong but was convinced to go in obedience to his father. So when soldiers started deserting, he was only too glad to listen to the advice of his officers and turn back home. His feelings were confirmed when he discovered that Pope Sixtus IV had opposed the move. King Casimir IV was furious at being deterred from his plans and he sent Casimir to a castle in Dobzki, hoping that imprisonment would change son's mind. St. Casimir stood to what he believed was right and even grew stronger during exile. He persistently refused to cooperate with his father's plans no more despite the pressure to give in. He even rejected a marriage his father tried to fix, instead fervently participated in his true King's plans wholeheartedly praying, studying, and helping the poor. He died at the age of 23 in 1484 from lung disease. A devotee of the Blessed Mother, he was buried with his favorite hymn "Omni die dic Mariae" or "Daily, Daily Sing to Mary." His remains are buried at special chapel in the Vilnius Cathedral and many of those who visit believe to have received miracles. St, Casimir, pray for us.

Pilgrimages are becoming more popular, these days for many purposes. In addition to gain indulgences by visiting and praying to holy shrines, the pilgrim is able to make discoveries along the way, about his or her self, the human spirit and the culture of the land to be explored. Meeting people of diverse backgrounds, sharing experiences, camaraderie and interactions will provide a better understanding of our faith community. Through this, we put our prayers into action. The following is the itinerary for this year's Pilgrimage of Mercy from August 10-20, 2023:

We invite everyone to send their prayer requests to be placed on our newly consecrated altar. Forms are available at the vestibule and you can mail or drop them at the basket provided in the sanctuary area.