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Kaunas St. Vincent de Paul Church

Religion

A white church with one tower and elegant, high windows is one of the four churches of the Interwar Modernist architecture in Kaunas. Its history is related to the settlement of Capuchins (an autonomous branch of the Franciscan Order) in Lithuania. During Soviet times, this place was used for meetings of religious dissidents who were not scared to stand up to the Soviet authorities.

In the beginning of the twentieth century, the Pope Pius IX decided to settle Capuchins and Jesuits in Lithuania, Latvia and Estonia. In 1935, Capuchins from Bavaria were invited to Kaunas Archdiocese. They also received the unfinished church of Petrašiūnai. After some time, the first Lithuanian Capuchins joined them. One of them is Father Stanislovas, the dean of the church in Paberžė, who become well-known across the country for anti-Soviet demonstrations, saving historical treasures, and a unique charisma.  The brothers were also fully engaged in the construction of the church and helped with interior finishing. On 13 of December 1936, during the ceremony of consecration, Teofilius Matulionis, the Blessed archbishop, spoke a homily.

The monastery was closed during the Soviet period, and persecution against monks began. But in 1970, young men from Petrašiūnai and nuns who acted in secret started gathering in the vestry room of the church. They participated in the Mass and taught children in secret about the faith and prepared for the sacrament. In 1988, the requirement to the Soviet authorities regarding the return of Vilnius Cathedral and St. Casimir Church to the faithful was signed in blood in the same vestry.

In 1995, the Church of Petrašiūnai and the monastery were returned to the Capuchins. You can read the entire history about Capuchins of Petrašiūnai in the museum located in the loft of the monastery. You must schedule all visits in advance.

The elegant temple of Petrašiūnai was designed by an architect Nikolajus Mačiulskis in 1932. He used the elements from Gothic and Romanino styles. His most famous work is the legendary "Romuva" cinema building in Kaunas. He built thisand other buildings representing the Interwar Modernist architecture. In 2015, Kaunas was awarded the title “City of Design” by UNESCO.

A small cemetery located in the churchyard is embellished with columns made by Adolfas Teresius, the best cross crafter in Kaunas district.

Take your car (parking available) or use public transport to visit here.

 

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