Saint Casimir 

If you happen to visit the countryside of Lithuania, you will see handcrafted crosses planted on farms, gardens and highways. The cross is a living sign of Lithuanian tradition and culture under the sun. The wood of the cross comes to life through people’s beliefs, ceremonies and customs. Everything transforms, when you realize there was no unspeakable taboo, no experience to feel too timid to bring it to the cross. The earthly nights and hours befalling family and farm, the secret matters of the heart, all was entrusted to the cross. Customs related to the cross encompass entire circle of a human life – from birth to death, asking for care and protection and grace. Lithuanian cross crafting and symbolism are listed under the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The Hill of Crosses is one of Lithuania’s holiest shrines. Pope John Paul II celebrated Mass here. The tradition of planting wooden crosses on this hill has been going on from generations to generations. From mourning relatives of victims from the Russian regime, to strong defiance of religious oppression or simply to ask and thank God for favors granted, thousands come to this holy place for more than hundred years. It is also a UNESCO Heritage site.

There will be a special vigil Mass on Saturday, August 14, 2021 for the Solemnity of the Assumption of Mary. The recitation of the rosary will begin at 5:45 PM. followed by the vigil Mass and floral offering at Mary's Shrine in front of the church. Bring your own flowers. The annual Evening with Mary gala dinner will be held at a later date.

Pope Francis declared this Sunday (July 25, 2021) as the World Day of Grandparents and the Elderly, to remind them of their responsibility to establish a tone for generations to come: they must continue to promote traditions and offer them as a promise to little children. On this day, the young are also reminded of the older people’s greater perspective, depth of experience, and appreciation of life’s profound rhythms which should not to be taken lightly or ignored. Grandparents and elderly of our parish were invited to the sanctuary and presented with blessed candles to remind them to continue with their mission of passing through their children and grandchildren the traditions and teachings of our faith. Afterwards, a special prayer and blessing was bestowed upon them.