February 9, 2026

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Lithuania and around the world,

We have experienced many times how good it is to be together and how important it is to remain united. We rejoice in the song and dance festivals in Lithuania and the diaspora, and in the Lithuanian Days organized in various countries. It is meaningful to gather for communal prayer in parishes and churches not only on major holidays, but also every Sunday. As always, on the upcoming feast of St. Casimir, the patron saint of Lithuania, on Sunday, March 1, we will join in prayer to ask for God's blessing for Lithuanians around the world.

Next June, the World Apostolic Congress on Mercy will take place in Vilnius. It was from this city that the message of God's Mercy spread throughout the world. By accepting God's gift of mercy, we are invited to be merciful ourselves, to share kindness, hope, and faith. Even when we have different opinions, we can achieve a lot together when we understand that we are united by our common Christian faith and prayer.

Thirty-five years have passed since the events of January 13. At that fateful time, Lithuania's freedom, right to self-determination, and freedom to profess one's faith were defended by people who gathered in large numbers in Vilnius at the television tower, the tv studios, and the Seimas (Parliament) of the Republic of Lithuania. A dozen of them sacrificed their lives so that we could live in a free country today. The contribution of Lithuanians living abroad was no less important – they raised the cause of Lithuanian freedom and rallied political, moral, and material support. This became a living testimony that, despite the distances, the Lithuanian nation is one.

In a turbulent and tense world, where peace and coexistence between nations are being tested, it is still important for everyone to come together. Lithuanians around the world need to remain active so that Lithuanian parishes, communities, and organizations remain alive, and camps and Lithuanian schools continue to operate, where children and young people not only expand their knowledge about Lithuania and learn the language, but also experience belonging to one nation. It would be good if they could also learn more about the faith. 

This year, we are also celebrating the 65th anniversary of the Lithuanian Catholic Religious Aid. In the past, this organization has done a lot to spread the word of truth – the Chronicle of the Catholic Church in Lithuania – so that the world would learn about the situation in the enslaved homeland. Today, its mission is to strengthen Lithuanian activities in Lithuania and the diaspora, to support faith, family, and youth education. Like other Lithuanian organizations, it operates thanks to the generosity and dedication of Lithuanians and shows how much we can achieve by joining forces.

As we celebrate the Day of Prayer for Lithuanians Around the World, let us entrust ourselves, our families, and the entire Lithuanian nation to God's Mercy and to the Virgin Mary, the Mother of Mercy. Wherever we live, the Lord strengthens our faith, unity, and determination to work for God, our neighbors, and our homeland. On March 1, let us join in common prayer in our parishes and communities. At 12:30 p.m. Lithuanian time, Holy Mass will be broadcast from Vilnius Cathedral on Radio Marija and LRT-Plius.

+ 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