In a letter dated February 27, 2013, the Holy Father, Benedict XVI appointed His Eminence, Stanislaus Cardinal Dziwisz, the Archbishop of Krakow, Poland as his representative at the celebration of the six hundredth anniversary of the dedication of the Cathedral of Kaunas, Lithuania. The celebration will take place on May 5 of this year.
Cardinal Dziwisz will be accompanied by Monsignor Vytautas Vaičiūnas,Vice-dean of the Faculty of Theology at Kaunas; and Monsignor Arturas Jagelavičius, Professor at the Faculty of Theology at Kaunas and Pro-judicial Vicar of the Archdiocese of Kaunas.
To my Venerable Brother
Stanislaus Cardinal Dziwisz
Metropolitan Archbishop of Krakow
In a solemn manner, the Church of Kaunas is celebrating the six hundredth anniversary of the erection of her Cathedral, built in the year 1413, one of the first Christian churches erected in Lithuania. The particular architecture of this Cathedral is noted for its beauty, a testament to the many faithful who, over the centuries have shared the gifts and talents entrusted to them, including artisans from all parts of Lithuania who have confided themselves to the intercession of the apostles Peter and Paul. The building was designated as a cathedral and then too the title of a Minor Basilica was accorded. In the year 1926, the Metropolitan Province of Kaunas was established, and the Archbishop of that circumscription was appointed as a Metropolitan Archbishop. Throughout the succeeding years, particularly in times of distress as a reult of hostility toward religion suffered under the government of the time, the importance of the Christian religion remained constant and clear for the sake of the Lithuanian faithful, in fidelity to the Apostolic See.
The dear and faithful flock of Kaunas was guided in its spiritual journey by the Pastors and priests who cared for the Cathedral throughout the years of its history, including our Venerable Brother Sigitas Tamkevičius, IF, Metropolitan Archbishop of Kaunas to whom the pastoral care of the faithful of this Catholic community is presently entrusted. It is encouraging to find that this particular Church has enjoyed a long hisotry of generosity which provides an incentive for all the faithful to walk in the light of Christ, renewed constantly in their generosity as they follow in His footsteps.
In recognition of the long-standing faith of this Archdiocesan community, my beloved predecessor Benedict XVI chose to appoint an excellent man to demonstrate his fraternal closeness to the city of Kaunas which has constantly manifested its closeness to the Pope. Confirming the choice of my venerable predecessor who chose to entrust this joyous mission to you, my Venerable Brother, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Krakow, I appoint you by means of this letter, as my special envoy to the sixth centennial celebration of the dedication of the Cathedral Basilica of Kaunas which will take place on the fifth day of May of this year.
In celebration of this occasion, I ask you to attend the solemn celebration of the Euchristic sacrifice in the presence of the Archbishop of Kaunas, other prelates, priests, religious men and women and all the Christian faithful including public authorities who may also attend. Greet them in my name. In addition, I hope that all the illustrious history of the Church in Lithuania may be remembered at this time, including the special love for the Church of Christ and the Gospel which continues to fill the souls of all the faithful with enthusiasm and faith in their daily life.
I entrust to you, my Venerable Brother, the task of communicating my prayers and particular love for that Metropolitan Church which was so dear to my Venerable Predecessor John Paul II, a sign of which I offer through your presence with the faithful for the celebration of this important milestone. I gladly impart my Apostolic Blessing to you, as a sign of my respect for you, and a pledge of heavenly favours, and I ask you to share this Blessing equally with all those who will partake in the upcoming celebration.
From the Vatican on the 5th day of April 2013, the first of our Pontificate.
Francis
Cardinal Dziwisz will be accompanied by Monsignor Vytautas Vaičiūnas,Vice-dean of the Faculty of Theology at Kaunas; and Monsignor Arturas Jagelavičius, Professor at the Faculty of Theology at Kaunas and Pro-judicial Vicar of the Archdiocese of Kaunas.
Letter of His Holiness, Pope Francis
addressed to His Eminence, Stanislaus Cardinal Dziwisz
Archbishop of Krakow
(original text in Latin)
To my Venerable Brother
Stanislaus Cardinal Dziwisz
Metropolitan Archbishop of Krakow
In a solemn manner, the Church of Kaunas is celebrating the six hundredth anniversary of the erection of her Cathedral, built in the year 1413, one of the first Christian churches erected in Lithuania. The particular architecture of this Cathedral is noted for its beauty, a testament to the many faithful who, over the centuries have shared the gifts and talents entrusted to them, including artisans from all parts of Lithuania who have confided themselves to the intercession of the apostles Peter and Paul. The building was designated as a cathedral and then too the title of a Minor Basilica was accorded. In the year 1926, the Metropolitan Province of Kaunas was established, and the Archbishop of that circumscription was appointed as a Metropolitan Archbishop. Throughout the succeeding years, particularly in times of distress as a reult of hostility toward religion suffered under the government of the time, the importance of the Christian religion remained constant and clear for the sake of the Lithuanian faithful, in fidelity to the Apostolic See.
The dear and faithful flock of Kaunas was guided in its spiritual journey by the Pastors and priests who cared for the Cathedral throughout the years of its history, including our Venerable Brother Sigitas Tamkevičius, IF, Metropolitan Archbishop of Kaunas to whom the pastoral care of the faithful of this Catholic community is presently entrusted. It is encouraging to find that this particular Church has enjoyed a long hisotry of generosity which provides an incentive for all the faithful to walk in the light of Christ, renewed constantly in their generosity as they follow in His footsteps.
In recognition of the long-standing faith of this Archdiocesan community, my beloved predecessor Benedict XVI chose to appoint an excellent man to demonstrate his fraternal closeness to the city of Kaunas which has constantly manifested its closeness to the Pope. Confirming the choice of my venerable predecessor who chose to entrust this joyous mission to you, my Venerable Brother, the Metropolitan Archbishop of Krakow, I appoint you by means of this letter, as my special envoy to the sixth centennial celebration of the dedication of the Cathedral Basilica of Kaunas which will take place on the fifth day of May of this year.
In celebration of this occasion, I ask you to attend the solemn celebration of the Euchristic sacrifice in the presence of the Archbishop of Kaunas, other prelates, priests, religious men and women and all the Christian faithful including public authorities who may also attend. Greet them in my name. In addition, I hope that all the illustrious history of the Church in Lithuania may be remembered at this time, including the special love for the Church of Christ and the Gospel which continues to fill the souls of all the faithful with enthusiasm and faith in their daily life.
I entrust to you, my Venerable Brother, the task of communicating my prayers and particular love for that Metropolitan Church which was so dear to my Venerable Predecessor John Paul II, a sign of which I offer through your presence with the faithful for the celebration of this important milestone. I gladly impart my Apostolic Blessing to you, as a sign of my respect for you, and a pledge of heavenly favours, and I ask you to share this Blessing equally with all those who will partake in the upcoming celebration.
From the Vatican on the 5th day of April 2013, the first of our Pontificate.
Francis
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