Vilniaus Vyskupas Jurgis Matulaitis : Tarp Dvasinio Pašaukimo Ir Politikos
Bishop of Vilnius Jurgis Matulaitis: between the Spiritual Duties and the Challenges of Politics

Summary/Abstract: The beginning of twentieth century was marked with big political changes in Lithuania. Lithuania gained freedom, but difficult loses also followed: the loosing of Seinai – Suvalkai region and later neighboring Poland’s invasion of an independent country and occupying the nation‘s capital of Vilnius and its region. Vilnius became a painful problem of Lithuanian nation. Any Lithuanian activity became a big issue in Vilnius at that time. In some cases the efforts to make the region Polish took place even in Church institutions. When Jurgis Matulaitis, who was Lithuanian, was installed as bishop of Vilnius he had to choose between his pastoral care of the people and political pragmatism. The life presented a difficult dilemma: to hold on to the principals of justice or to become the instrument of political intrigues. The ministry of J. Matulaitis in Vilnius revealed his spiritual maturity in the midst of the most difficult political events.

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