Casimir Jagiellon was born in 1458 as the third of thirteen children to Poland's King Casimir IV and his wife Elizabeth of Austria. The priest and historian John Dlugosz, who taught him and some of his brothers, had a profoundly religious and political background that shaped Casimir's early years.
The young prince chose the path of asceticism and dedication over the lavishness of the courtly life. He would often sleep on the ground, wear simple clothes with a hair shirt underneath, and dedicate a large portion of his nights to prayer and reflection on Christ's suffering and death.
In addition to his practical almsgiving to the underprivileged, Casimir demonstrated his love for God through these acts of devotion. He was regarded as a very sensitive young man who had a keen sense of other people's suffering.
The young prince was only 13 years old when the Hungarians urged his father to present him as their future monarch. Casimir went to be crowned because he was eager to support the Hungarians in their defense against the Turks. But when this strategy failed, he was compelled to go back to Poland.
Upon his return, Casimir continued his education with Dlugosz and gained an astute understanding of politics through his father's governance. Prince Casimir ruled the kingdom from 1481 to 1483 after the king left Poland in 1479 to handle official business in Lithuania.
The prince's advisors joined his father in their efforts to persuade Casimir to wed. However, he favored staying unmarried and dedicating his life to serving God and the welfare of his people.
Casimir anticipated his demise and strengthened his faith in God after developing tuberculosis symptoms. On March 4, 1484, he passed away while traveling to Lithuania. A copy of a Marian hymn he often chanted was interred with him. In 1522, he was canonized by Pope Adrian VI. He is revered as the patron saint of Lithuania and Poland. His feast day is celebrated on March 4.
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