Fr. Casimir Bogdanowicz, OFM Conv., son of Adam and Veronica (Andrzejewska) Bogdanowicz, was born on December 16, 1907, in Baltimore, MD. His elementary schooling was in the Parish School of St. Casimir, Baltimore. By association with his parish priests and motivated by their life and example, he expressed his desire to enter the Conventual Franciscans. His pastor, Fr. Benedict Przemielewski, OFM Conv., upon hearing about his desire and motives for religious life, sent him to Buffalo, NY, where in the Novitiate, he was introduced to the life and ways of a Franciscan. There he made his simple profession on September 21, 1928. Fr. Casimir pronounced his final and solemn vows on September 22, 1931. His philosophical and theological training was at St. Hyacinth Seminary, Granby, MA, and in the Seminary Chapel on June 17, 1934, he was ordained to the priesthood by the Most Reverend Thomas M. O'Leary, Bishop of Springfield. Fr. Casimir's first and only assignment in the priestly ministry was at St. Stanislaus Kostka Church, Shamokin, PA. During this first endeavor, Fr. Casimir fell into an incurable disease and was sent to the Sanatorium in Danville, PA, where he was a patient for almost 49 years. His illness brought sadness to the members of the Province and his family in Baltimore. His prolonged illness evoked pity and sympathy on the part of those who visited with him. To all, he was an example of suffering, perseverance and resignation to the will of God.
Fr. Casimir met Sister Death at the Sanatorium in Danville, PA, on August 10, 1983, in the 76th year of his age, 55th of his religious profession and 50th of his priesthood. The Liturgy of Christian Burial was concelebrated in his native parish church of St. Casimir, Baltimore, MD. The mortal remains were laid to rest in St. Stanislaus Kostka Cemetery, Baltimore, on September 13, 1983 (Friars' Mausoleum, Row #3, 4, L)