To commemorate the arrival of Lithuanians in the Los Feliz campus, a tile mural of Blessed Teofilius Matulionis will be installed at the parish hall exterior wall.

St. Casimir’s Church was established as the sanctuary of Lithuanian immigrants and their families in the West Coast. Its objective is to promote the teachings and practice of Catholic faith as well as the spirit of Christian community among other immigrants in the neighborhood.

In the words of Blessed Teofilius; “Just think how good and merciful the Lord is: He finds His flock in the woods, in the tundra, at midnight. I am thankful to Him with all my heart! Providence made sure that we, priest brethren, be sent where the believers are. Pastors follow their flock.” St. Casimir’s serves as the beacon of hope, especially to persecuted Christians and welcomes their traditions and culture.

There is no perfect symbol to display our people’s courage and deep faith other than Blessed Teofilius. “It is an honor to the Lithuanian nation to have such a hero” commented Pope Pius XI when he met him at the Vatican. Nėra tobulo simbolio, rodančio mūsų žmonių drąsą ir gilų tikėjimą, išskyrus palaimintąjį Teofilijų. „Garbė lietuvių tautai turėti tokį didvyrį“, - pakomentavo popiežius Pijus XI susitikęs su juo Vatikane.

The bishop’s strength of spirit and trust in God is distinctly revealed in his letters, sermons and conversations written down during his confinement in prison. Upon his release in 1933, one of the first countries he traveled was the United States and visited Lithuanian parishes and churches.  A saint walked among us during his 18 months stay.

Blessed Teofilius is characterized by his especial loyalty to the Church. Although he constantly faced persecution, he never compromised his faith. He trusted in God and persisted in following God’s will, regardless of  the circumstances in which he was placed – prison, concentration camps, exile, his home diocese or abroad. He was a living example of the Christian faith for everyone. Blessed Teofilius Matulionis is the patron of persecuted Christians.

The official icon of Blessed Teofilius Matulionis was painted by artist Zbigniew Gierczak and unveiled during the beatification Mass in Vilnius last June 25, 2017. He wears a bishop garb under a prison uniform. He holds a cane as a symbol of the good shepherd.  The stars signify his motto: Per crucem ad astra (To the stars through the cross.)

To complement the mural with Lithuanian tradition (which is also being done in most European and Latin American cultures), votos made of tiles will surround the mural, where each name of those who contributed for the limited 12 X 12 tile, will be imprinted. Votos are offered in thanksgiving for answered prayers; you see them surround the icons on the altar such as the Dievo Gailestingumo Sventove and Ausros Vartai.  

Should you wish to make the full donation of $750 or by adding to your initial contribution, you can call the parish office and make payment arrangements for your name, loved one or organization to be included. Your gift is tax deductible.

As we observe eighty years of faith community in Los Angeles, St. Casimir’s Parish continues to preserve and share its Lithuanian heritage, values and traditions to others. During his Apostolic Journey to Lithuania, Pope Francis asked; “to be a Church on the move, unafraid to out and get involved, even when it might seem that we pour ourselves out, lose ourselves, in going forth to the weak, neglected and those dwelling at the margins of life.”

Stebint aštuoniasdešimt metų tikėjimo bendruomenę Los Andžele, Šv. Kazimiero parapija ir toliau saugo ir dalijasi savo lietuvišku paveldu, vertybėmis ir tradicijomis kitiems. Apaštalinės kelionės po Lietuvą metu popiežius Pranciškus paklausė; „Būti judančia Bažnyčia, nebijanti išeiti ir įsitraukti, net kai gali atrodyti, kad mes išliejame save, pametame save eidami pas silpnus, apleistus ir tuos, kurie gyvena gyvenimo pakraštyje“.

It is your continuing participation that makes our parish community alive and growing. Our unity and love with one another are manifestations of God’s presence and may His graces overflow in us.  Let us all be hopeful for the end of this pandemic, so that we can celebrate this very important milestone in our parish.