Take A Epic Pilgrimage to Beautiful Vilnius!
Some info about traveling to/in Vilnius in 2024.
SAFETY - Vilnius is still very safe, despite the war in The Ukraine. Lithuania is a member of the European Union and is joined by greater Europe and the USA with regard to any moves that Russia’s leadership might make. There are no travel advisories issued by the US Department of State regarding travel to Lithuania.
WEATHER - Vilnius is known as a cloudy and rainy place. In October, Vilnius generally has low temperatures and moderate rainfall. Daytime temperatures hover around 53°F, while nights can cool down to about 39°F.
PASSPORT: Make sure your passport does not expire for at least 6 months from the day of your departure flight. No Visa is requested for a US citizen to travel to Vilnius
FOOD: Lithuanian food is YUMMY - typical baltic food often based on locally sourced supplies #fresh. Your host knows all the best tastes and places to get them!
MONEY: The Euro is the local currency. Use your debt or credit card for the best exchange rates and security.
PHONE AND INTERNET: Almost all public places have free password-accessible WiFi. Easiest way to call home if you do not have an international plan on your cell phone is to use WhatsApp or Facebook call/video.
The following is a list of some of the places we are likely to visit on our pilgrimage to Vilnius, The City of Mercy.
SAINT BERNARD CHURCH
This large, beautiful, gothic church is where Fr. Sopoćko taught seminarians and heard the confessions of the sisters.
SAINT ANN’S CHURCh
One of the most beautiful churches in all of Europe, Saint Ann’s is a stunning work of art on the inside and the outside.
THE Bialystok CATHEDRAL
Bialystok is the home of many treasures related to Saint Faustina and Divine Mercy. Several are here in this tall narrow brick cathedral.
Church of Blessed Michael SopoĆko
A church nestled in the tiny village of Juodšiliai that was started by Fr. Michael Sopoćko but never finished. Today the church bears his name and is the only Church in the world named for him.
The Church Heritage Museum
Formerly Saint Michael the Archangel Church, where Fr. Sopoćko was pastor and first church in which The Original Image was first displayed.
The Church of the Holy Spirit
A Polish church in the middle of Old Town with a fascinating history, this church played a significant role in the timeline of the Original Image.
FR. SOPOCKO'S HOME IN VILNIUS
Currently the Convent of the Sisters of the Merciful Jesus, this is where the Gestapo came hunting for Fr. Micheal.
The Gate of Dawn
Pilgrims have been coming to Vilnius to venerate Our Mother of Mercy for centuries. This is where the Original Image was displayed publicly for the first time.
Home of Eugeniusz Kazimirowski
If the walls could talk! This is the atelier where the Original Image of Divine Mercy was painted, now a tiny chapel.
KGB Museum in Vilnius
A chilling reminder of the horrors of Communism, this museum is dedicated to those who gave their lives for the sake of the Good, True, and Beautiful.
Old Town Street Market
It seems every weekend is a reason to celebrate in the streets of Old Town Vilnius. From buskers to street vendors, the streets are lined with quaint and inviting outdoor cafes.
Saint Faustina’s House
In this simple house St. Faustina lived with several other nuns. You can stand in the spot where she had her mystical apparitions of Jesus.
FR. SOPOĆKO’S HIDEOUT IN THE BLACK FOREST
Having assumed the identity of Wacław Rodziewicz, Fr. Sopoćko evaded the Gestapo in this remote town until it was safe to return to Vilnius.
Shrine of Divine Mercy - Vilnius
Walk through these doors and you will behold the Original Image of Divine Mercy. Words cannot describe the feeling.
The Hill of Crosses in Šiauliai
This is the spot where local Lithuanians “defeated” the Soviets through their faith. Today, the number of crosses is unfathomable!
Siluva
The site of a little-known (approved) Marian apparition that reads like a mystery novel, all tucked away in a little Lithuanian village.
Tour of the Cathedral Bell Tower
If you have the stamina, climb the historic stairs to the top in time to be rattled by the sound of 6000-pound bells, the oldest of which are from the 13th century.
Vilnius Cathedral
St Faustina wrote in her diary about this beautiful Cathedral many times. The church is dedicated to Dedicated to Saints Stanislaus and Ladislaus of Lithuania.
Visit to the Archbishop’s Palace
An elaborate residence once taken over by Nazis and then by Soviets. Returned to the Church along with several local church building after the fall of Communism.
Visit to a nearby town of Trakai
Home to the “Lost Copy of the Original Image of Divine Mercy,” as well as this island castle in the middle of Lake Galvė.
Old Town Vilnius
There is no end to the beauty in Vilnius. Just walking through the streets will make you want to extend your stay!
THE Republic of UZupis
Uzupis is known locally as the Artist’s Quarter - a special section of town where Vilnius’ artists live and work. A little beatnik, and a little old-world.
THE OLD FRANCISCAN CHURCH IN VILNIUS
Still in use today, but like many churches in Vilnius, still marked by the scars of war. Notice the huge San Damiano crucifix above the altar.
Calvary of Vilnius
Calvary of Vilnius includes The Church of the Discovery of the Holy Cross and 35 stations following the Passion of Christ. The topography and the distance between stations correspond to the same sites in Jerusalem and includes a relic of the Holy Cross.