St. Casimir's Day
Description:
“Over the hills of Lithuania
Something like a plea for the world.
Hears out in the dark: drumming, deaf, unlucky
The sound floats over the villages towards the Curonian Spit.
Saint Casimir with the Miracle-working Nicola
Running the clock.
Waiting for the winter dawn ...”
And. Brodsky
In 2004, the 400th anniversary of the Breve (message of the Pope) was celebrated, approving the veneration of St. Paul. Casimir in Lithuania. On May 9, the main celebrations were held, attended by representatives of Pope John Paul II. In the program of festive events, a solemn mass was held in memory of the consecration of the cornerstone of the first sanctuary dedicated to St. John. Kazimiru in Vilnius. The Jubilee Year ended on November 21, in the triumph of Jesus Christ King of the Universe.
In a message marking the beginning of the anniversary year, Cardinal Bachkis warned the flock about the pressure on Christians of modern challenges, “which cast aside the virtues of righteousness, kindness and honesty.”
“Holiness is the only way to resist the pressures of a secularized world,” he said, adding that “today we need courage to be Christians.” Casimir is the saint of courageous men.”
The enlargement of the European community could lead to many paths leading away from Christ. This makes us more conscious of our faith. Let us pray, asking for intercession from our patron, so that love for God and people is the salt of our lives, the Archbishop of Vilnius urged.