Vilnius, 2024.02.02
Dear Fellow Lithuanians,
May this letter reach all those of Lithuanian descent living in the Homeland or living in many different countries around the world. We are united by one Lithuania, which we cherish, love and for which we pray. It is meaningful that the World Day of Prayer for Lithuanians is associated with the Feast Day of St. Casimir, the patron saint of Lithuania. This year marks 540 years since his death. Modestly commemorated in Lithuania four decades ago because of the restrictions imposed by the occupiers, the Saint's jubilee was joyously celebrated by Lithuanians abroad and stimulated Catholic awareness and the desire to liberate our homeland. This reminds us, once again, of the importance of activism and unity of all compatriots, wherever we live. Each of us can contribute to the strengthening of Lithuania in our own way. This remains very significant as we watch, with concern, the continued aggression of our Eastern neighbour against Ukraine.
This year also marks the 75th anniversary of the Lithuanian Charter of 1949. The Charter laid the foundations of the World Lithuanian Community, bringing together and giving meaning to the efforts of Lithuanians living outside Lithuania to fight for Lithuania's independence and to maintain not only family and kinship, but also national ties. It stressed the importance of various societies, including religious ones. Lithuanians who went to other countries always tried to create organizations and parishes which became significant both in their religious/secular and national/cultural activities. We invite you to continue to be active members of parishes and communities, to take part in their activities, to come together, to cherish faith and prayer.
The Catholic Church will celebrate its Jubilee Year in 2025. As we approach it, Pope Francis has invited us to prepare ourselves for this event of grace, so that we may experience the power of God's hope. The year of preparation for the Jubilee is called the Year of Prayer and is intended to rediscover the great value of prayer and its necessity in personal life, in the life of the Church, and in the world. This Year encourages us to take time to concentrate, to read the Scriptures, to pray together in our families and communities. So let us live this time in a meaningful way, praying for Lithuanians and Lithuania and for peace in the world, not only on the first Sunday of March, but every day of the year.
We want and need to be active participants in history, responsibly deciding the future of our country, guided by fundamental moral values. Therefore, we urge all Lithuanian citizens to actively participate in this year's elections, as well as in the important referendum on May 12th on the retention of Lithuanian citizenship while acquiring citizenship of another country friendly to Lithuania. Let us remain strong in spirit, so that we may not be diminished, and let us trust in Divine Providence, whose protection we have experienced many times in the history of our homeland.
On Sunday, March 3rd at 12:30 p.m. Lithuanian time, Mass for Lithuanians around the world will be broadcast on Radio Maria.
+ Archbishop Gintaras Grušas
President of the Lithuanian Bishops' Conference
+ Archbishop Lionginas Virbalas, SJ
Delegate of the Lithuanian Bishops' Conference for pastoral ministry of Lithuanians abroad
