Vilnius, 12.02.2025
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
It has become a beautiful tradition to commemorate the first Sunday in March with a special Day of Prayer for Lithuanians in the World.
Various reasons take people away from their homeland. At present, there are 54 Lithuanian communities registered in 54 countries around the world, as well as those that are not listed yet. Each of these communities is precious and important and we invite each of them all to contribute to the spiritual growth of Lithuania, to its prosperity and to a secure life. Remembering the patron saint of Lithuania, we pray to St. Casimir to intercede for all Lithuanians, both those who live in our homeland and those who are spread across continents. We are confident that our destiny is not tossed by the winds of chance, but that we can always rely on the protection of Divine Providence.
Pope Francis declared 2025 a Jubilee Year. It is usually celebrated every quarter of a century, although sometimes special anniversaries are added, such as the Jubilee of Mercy ten years ago. The Jubilee Year is characterised by pilgrimage, reconciliation and works of kindness. This is also true for each one of us and for Lithuanian communities around the world.
The pilgrimage symbolizes the journey of each person's life and reminds us that the most important journey is towards the sacred. On this journey, we face all kinds of obstacles, but our hope sustains us. Christian hope is not based on optimism, of which there is sometimes very little; what happens in the world is not a game of chance and that God is at work in it in a real and mysterious way. In announcing the Jubilee, Pope Francis invites us to see hope in the signs of the present; not to give in to the temptation to believe that we are overwhelmed by evil and violence, but to see the good despite everything, for there surely is so much good in the world.
This year, the national Lithuanian pilgrimage to Rome will take place in the first days of March. On Sunday, March 2, the official Day of Prayer for Lithuanians in the World, pilgrims will pray at the Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls. This apostle preached the Gospel, the Good News, to various nations. Many centuries later, the Gospel finally reached Lithuania. Thank you to all priests and catechists working in foreign countries who bring the message of Jesus, his salvation and God's love to families, children and members of their communities.
In this Jubilee Year, pilgrims are invited to travel not only to Rome but to visit Jubilee churches have been designated in every land. In Lithuania, there are as many as twenty such churches. It is a good opportunity for Lithuanians living abroad to return to Lithuania this year to visit Lithuania, to pray and to strengthen their ties with their homeland or the land of their parents.
The tradition of the Jubilee Year, which dates to early Christian times, is one of repentance and forgiveness, a time of forgiveness of debts and reconciliation. Sometimes we put our own opinions and interests ahead of others as we exaggerate our grievances and magnify injustices. With such burdens it is difficult to go far. We need forgiveness, which is a gift that eases the way and builds communion, supports unity. Only in this way can we let go of the painful past and begin a new phase of life in peace and happiness. This is what everyone longs for, whether abroad or in the homeland.
The Jubilee Year invites us to undertake acts of kindness. The Pope encourages us "to open our eyes to see the miseries of this world, the many brothers and sisters whose dignity is trampled upon, let us become aware of their wounds. Let us hear their cry for help and respond to it. Let us reach out and support them so that they may feel the warmth of our closeness, our friendship and fraternity." When Lithuanians arrived in foreign lands, they always first established mutual aid societies, recognizing the importance of helping one another, especially in times of trouble. Let us continue this good tradition of caring for one another by helping each other in times of need, cheering one another with our thoughtfulness.
The Jubilee Year is a good opportunity to change our lives. May it be a year of faith and spiritual rebirth. Let it be a time to reconnect with God, with other people and with God's creation. We will achieve this by strengthening our trust in God and listening to His voice, as we pray to the Holy Spirit, who guides us in all times, be they the many ups and downs of life, during our biggest trials and also in our successes.
+ 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
