Rubric “Interesting exhibit”
In 1955, the book “Saint Casimir” by the Lithuanian-born historian, educator, philosopher, professor Zenonas Ivinskis was published in the United States of America, New York. It is a comprehensive study of Saint Casimir of the Lithuanian nation, his short life and the long road to canonisation. The book deals extensively with the cult of the saint in Lithuania and abroad, and for the first time presents very detailed archival material, sources and literature, as well as the cult of St. Casimir. The book also includes a first look at the saint’s life, with paintings and photographs related to St Casimir.
The study describes the miracles of the saint, including one of the most significant and well-known – the miracle of St. Casimir. The most significant of the miracles is the apparition of St Casimir at the Daugava River. According to historical sources, in 1518, inspired by him, a small Lithuanian army defended the city of Polotsk against a large Moscow army. Over time, “the fervent faith of the people increasingly linked the cult of Casimir with anti-Provo-Slavic and anti-Moscow sentiments” (Ivinsky, “Saint Casimir”, p. 123).
Photo. Cover of Zenonas Ivinskis’ book “Saint Casimir”. The museum treasure is kept in the collections of the Lithuanian Museum of Education.
Information prepared by Dalia Galminienė, Curator of Museum Activities of the Lithuanian Museum of Education
