Day 4 – Vilnius

We visit the house where Blessed Fr. Michel Sopocko lived. He was St. Faustina’s confessor and championed her Divine Mercy message after her death. A young nun from Alberta excitedly explains the history and importance of the Divine Mercy. We are touched by Marie Theresa’s passion – she is one year away from her final vows. Next door is a hospice the Sisters operate which is supported by Canada and other countries.

We walk through the Gate of Dawn‎ and up to a chapel. There is the most gorgeous icon of our Lady, Queen of Lithuania (and Poland). We celebrate Mass. Dave inadvertently stands in the spot John Paul II did when he visited here.

We walked to the nearby Russian Orthodox church and witnessed a celebration. Their Patriarch, priests and all the congregation marched out around the church with icons, incense and holy water. The church inside was truly magnificent. They believe icons are a real window into the presence of God – not just symbolic.

In the afternoon, we visit the house that St. Faustina lived in. We look into the little room she shared with another sister and see her original furniture.‎ It was at this house that she received the Chaplet of Divine Mercy in 1935. We pray the Chaplet together. It is very moving.

We pay a short visit to the Church of St. Peter and Paul, a fine example of baroque design with hundreds of sculpted angels and saints on its interior white walls.

Then on to the Cathedral of Vilnius. In the square out front is the “miracle” stone. This commemorates the 2 million Estonians, Latvians and Lithuanians who joined hands in a 200 km long human chain‎ in solidarity against the Soviets in 1989. Inside, we see St. Casimir’s crypt and light more candles for special intentions.

Another long prayerful day comes to an end.
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