– We are very impressed by the activity of Poles in Lithuania, their deep patriotism and the promotion of Polishness. An example of the activity of Polish schools in Lithuania, attachment to tradition, culture, language, to Homeland, this nurturing of Polishness can be a model for many schools in Poland – said Monika Leszczyńska, Vice president of Ordo Iuris. Representatives of the Life and household Centre and the Institute for Legal Culture Ordo Iuris visited Poles surviving in Lithuania from 27 to 29 October.
The occasion for the gathering with teachers, social workers and representatives of Vilnius self-government, as well as with Polish youth, was the presentation of the movie “And that I will not leave you” by the Centre of Life and Family. In addition, 15 1000 calendars were delivered to Poles in Lithuania for 2026. During the three-day visit, representatives of the Foundation visited the Longin Komołowski Secondary School in Poluk, the Cultural Centre in Niemenczyń, the Blessed Michael Sopoćka Hospice in Vilnius and the Władysław Syrokomla Secondary School in Vilnius.
As Monika Leszczyńska, Vice president of Ordo Iuris stressed, these were exceptional days filled with the atmosphere of hospitality, cordiality and upbuilding conversations. – We met with representatives of Polish institutions, teachers and youth of schools that organize patriotic events, concerts and lectures. I am glad that we could experience how Poles in Lithuania cultivate Polish tradition and culture She said. As he says, 1 of the institutions in which they hosted for the first time was the Blessed Fr Michael Sopoćka hospice. She founded them and has been moving Mr. Michael Rak from the Assembly of Sisters of Jesus the Merciful since 2009. – What shocked me is that this is the only hospice in Lithuania. This is an amazing work that requires prayerful, financial and many hands to work. Michaela's highly charismatic p. took this essential initiative and struggles to supply care all day for those in need. She does not give up, although she faces numerous, immense challenges She added. The centre run by the Polish nun sister provides extended care to the wards in the facility, but besides offers peculiar support to those who are staying in their homes throughout Lithuania.
How do I read the cathedral? – calendar for 2026
The joys of the visit of representatives of the foundation are not covered by Poles surviving in Lithuania. They are grateful to the organizations and donors that can give them calendars. – These calendars are a unique link with the countrymen. They go to Polish parishes, schools, institutions, non-governmental organizations and families, and as a Christmas present they are given to aged jubilees, including 3 100 years old “Reneta Citacka from Vilnius self-government education department said. As she noted, the calendars accompany Poles throughout the year. They are beautifully developed and carry a deep message. Importantly, they mark spiritual festivals and ceremonies. – The feeling that we have the support of our matrix and the awareness that the countrymen remember us besides in this motion of submitting calendars is very valuable to us She added.
– We are trying to make our calendar, apart from applicable values, bear additional value. Starting with the first edition, it has a subject that reverberates for months, recalling crucial characters, events and times. frequently these are content related to our Polish heritage: on the carats of the calendar we celebrated the centenary of regaining independence, reminded the native traditions, or paid tribute to the most outstanding national creators – explained Kamil Zwierz, Deputy manager of IT and HF, who stressed that this was the 5th visit to Lithuania, and was possible thanks to the financial support of the Foundation's donors.
This year, as the representatives of the Centre of Life and household indicate, a more universal subject has been undertaken. The calendar is dedicated to cathedrals, which are 1 of the most beautiful manifestations of the actual spirit of Europe. As they emphasize, it is simply a bow to the roots, from which the size of Poland grew, and from which, as Poles, we besides drew life-giving juices.
The witness touches the heart of man
One of the points of the visit to Lithuania was the presentation of the movie “And that I will not leave you” which addresses the subject of indissoluble marriage. According to the film's originators, he presents the evidence of the spouses who experienced the crisis, frequently the breakdown of the relationship, but made an effort to rebuild the household after the breakup drama. – The movie has caused large emotions, moved the interior, touched the strings of our soul due to the fact that it intertwins with experiences that are present among us, our families, friends and acquaintances said Renata Citack.
The movie was besides watched by students of the elder classes of Władysław Syromla advanced School in Vilnius. Paweł Kwasniak, Coordinator of Social Projects, who led and moderated discussions, noted that a group of respective twelve oldest youths gathered at the show in the hall. – It is usually not easy to encourage young people to discuss, and there are young people who have made a conversation and stressed that the movie is needed and crucial – she talked about the reaction of young viewers.
Renata Cytacka came out with a presentation “And that I will not leave you” for young Poles. – I was wondering if the movie about the Sacrament of matrimony would be suitable for young people who only know the subject of matrimony from the experience of parents and friends She said. – MHowever, I would like to admit that I was impressed by the attention that youths watched this film. And I was even more impressed by the discussion. She added. As she recalled, teenagers do not always have a public voice on specified serious topics. They feel that they can be judged by peers, and during this period of life, this evaluation is of large importance to them. – However, they bravely spoke, approached guests from Warsaw and thanked for the subject that is needed, important. They wanted to hear more. – he talks about the reactions of young people. As she noted, on the occasion of erstwhile visits to Lithuania, representatives of the Polish Foundation besides gave lectures on ideological threats, the effects of excessive usage of smartphones – They are always well prepared, timely and highly needed She added.
For Poles surviving in Lithuania, meetings with Poles from Poland are highly crucial in the process of strengthening ties. – We are inactive part of the beautiful Polish Nation (...) We're Poles. We are aware of our nationality and want to keep our identity, although we are besides loyal citizens of Lithuania, as we emphasize. – Renata Citacka said. She pointed out that Poles in Lithuania maintained and maintained tradition and culture for years, rise their children in the spirit of Polishness and attachment to faith, as evidenced, among others, by the 95% rate of Polish school pupils who choose spiritual lessons. He adds that present there is besides a conflict for a young generation, which is being tried to teach cosmopolitan and sex ideology. This cooperation and common support are so of large importance.
– We always invitation our countrymen from the Crown with open arms and encourage them to come besides to see that utilizing their native language is an asset, sending the kid to the Polish school is simply a privilege – she pointed out and added that St.John Paul II reminded us how crucial it is to care for our identity, culture and parent tongue. – Wa large value is being a Pole and witnessing it, calmly and without pathos She emphasized and reminded of Poles in the East, Poles spread all over the world, in which the Polish heart beats, although many of them were not able to learn their native language for various reasons.
Maintaining these bonds is highly crucial for us, surviving in Poland, stressed Vice president Ordo Iuris – We are very impressed by the activity of Poles in Lithuania, their deep patriotism and the promotion of Polishness. An example of the activity of Polish schools in Lithuania, attachment to tradition, culture, language, to Homeland, this nurturing of Polishness can be a model for many schools in Poland – this is Monika Leszczyńska. She reminded that we should remember that there are over 20 million Poles surviving outside the borders of the Republic. – We have common roots, identity, religion and culture. As Poles, we are obliged to keep and cultivate ties to support each another no substance where destiny has cast us She added.
Editorial Centre of Life and Family
