"So Joseph got up and returned to the land of Israel. <…> warned in a dream, he left for the region of Galilee. 23 So the family went and lived in a town called Nazareth. This fulfilled what the prophets had said: “He will be called a Nazarene.”(Mt 2:21-23)
These Gospel verses tell us how the Holy Family, who fled to Egypt to escape persecution, finally return home. This is a physical return, but wherever we live in the world, we can always return to our roots, to cherish and nurture our identity and cultural heritage.
During his stay in Lithuania, Pope Francis called for us to look back at the history of our homeland and families, to be interested in the stories of our parents and grandparents, to draw upon their wisdom. The Christmas season is a good time, when gathered around a common table, to talk about Lithuania, about faith, and to remember the traditions of our ancestors. I especially want to convey words of encouragement to young people, to young families, so that when living abroad, there would be enough strength and fortitude to maintain their national identity.
I also thank all the members of Lithuanian communities, parishes, missions, Lithuanian school staff and educators who, through their dedicated work, grow and nurture our Lithuanian sprouts keeping the Lithuanian language alive. Thank you to the parish priests, chaplains and all those who pass on the truths of the Church and evangelize the younger generation. These are the most important pillars of our diaspora, creating Lithuanian islands where we can feel at home.
In this Christmas season, let us wish each other peace and tranquility. Let us sit around the Christmas table in a spirit of unity, reconciliation, and hope, remembering in prayer our brothers and sisters in Ukraine.
Msgr. Edmond J. Putrimas
Delegate of the Lithuanian Bishops' Conference to the Lithuanian Catholics abroad.
