Your Eminence Special Envoy of the Roman Pontiff,
Your Eminence and Your Excellencies,
Ladies and Gentlemen,
On behalf of the Government of the Republic of Lithuania, I would like to congratulate you sincerely on the occasion of the 600th Anniversary of the Baptism of Samogitians.
The Baptism of Samogitians concluded the Baptism of Lithuania which had been started by the Lithuanian King Mindaugas in the 13th century. Baptism is a gift and commitment. It is a gift of faith upon acceptance of which a person is reborn and changes one's life. Baptism is a bond of unity and the foundation of communion. It is a commitment to join into a community. The history of Lithuania bears witness as to how the Christian faith not only enabled our ancestors to create and strengthen their state and take over the culture of the Christian Europe, but also helped them to preserve their native language, customs and traditions, and most importantly – the understanding of freedom.
On this memorable day, we remember the Grand Duke of Lithuania Vytautas, as the founder of a powerful Lithuanian state, the sponsor of churches and monasteries, and the initiator and patron of the Baptism of Samogitians. We also remember Samogitians' shepherds, such as, Motiejus I (Matthew I), Merkelis Giedraitis, Jurgis Tiškevičius, Motiejus Valančius, Pranciškus Karevičius, Justinas Staugaitis, Vincentas Borisevičius, Pranciškus Ramanauskas, and many others whose light of spirit and noble works led people towards faith, morality and national awareness. Their life as leaders of the Nation and the Church brings support and encouragement to Lithuania's present and future.
During the centuries, Samogitians have demonstrated that they know how to appreciate the gifts of faith; the following is the evidence to that effect:
- Varniai, which is the ancient capital of the diocese, is one of the most important centres of religion and culture;
- Churches, which have been constructed, are original and beautiful monuments of faith;
- Šiluva and Žemaičių Kalvarija pilgrim temples have been attracting numerous visitors since old times;
- Monasteries, which have done a lot for the culture of the country;
- Crosses, chapels and poles with small chapels, which adorn the picturesque landscape, have become one of the symbols of Lithuania;
- Old songs expressing love to God and the communion of believers;
- The priests' seminary founded yet in the 16th century, which has trained a lot of excellent priests;
- A school network, which has educated and taught the Nation;
- The temperance movement, which has revived the spirit and awareness of people;
- Uprising participants' courage, determination and fight for the freedom of the Homeland;
- Lithuanian books, which have fostered the mother tongue;
- The seeds of national revival, which have grown into the restoration of the state of Lithuania on 16 February 1918.
All these signs witness a live and effective faith, which helped us to recognise our identity, gave the strength to withstand difficult historical challenges, supported strong Lithuanian families, and strengthened the love for the Homeland and its people. This faith was symbolically described by the words written, at the time, by bishop Motiejus Valančius: "The Catholic faith, which was happily sown in the Samogitia at the very beginning of the 15th century, has grown, blossomed and flourishes to this day."
Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, the historical memory of our Nation witnesses that the Christian faith is a power which can ensure freedom, progress and a successful future of Lithuania and, at the same time, the entire Europe. Therefore, on the occasion of this Anniversary, may I wish that the light of faith, which accompanied our ancestors throughout centuries, would shine in the soul of each Lithuanian. May there come true a wish of the Blessed Pope John Paul II that faith would always be our power helping us to create our Homeland, our life, and our Lithuanian as well as Christian identity for the sake of the Church, Europe and the mankind.
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