Grand pilgrimage features Žemaitaitis speech and bishop’s award to social democrat

Politicians were among the participants at the recent Grand Žemaičių Kalvarija pilgrimage, with Remigijus Žemaitaitis delivering a speech at the altar and social democrat MP Alvydas Mockus receiving the St. Justin Medal from the bishop’s hands, as reported by LRT.lt.

Photos shared on Facebook by Gargždai’s St. Archangel Michael parish show Žemaitaitis speaking at the altar. In a post, he wrote: “Traditionally at the Žemaičių Kalvarija pilgrimage. The family is our future! I believe that nurturing family, traditions, and culture is the foundation of our society’s strength. In my opinion, some recent political decisions and the politicians supporting them weaken these values, so it is important to preserve and pass them on to future generations.”

Another image captures Bishop Algirdas Jurevičius of Telšiai presenting the award to Mockus. The active participation of politicians and their speeches did not go unnoticed on social media, sparking debate over whether they should be delivering sermons at religious events.

Political scientist Ignas Kalpokas commented on Facebook: “Can you guess which politician, based on publicly available photos, preached at the Žemaičių Kalvarija pilgrimage? It’s clear that it’s a saint (or at least a blessed one). As always, the Church should not meddle in politics, but if it does, then only with the pious, the meek, and the Žemaitaitis.”

A pilgrim who attended the event expressed surprise in a letter to LRT.lt, questioning why politicians were allowed to speak after Mass. “On what grounds are politicians who attend Mass given the floor as it ends? What does this have to do with the liturgy? Yesterday, right after Mass, all the bishops invited R. Žemaitaitis to speak. Since we are celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Telšiai Diocese, R. Žemaitaitis told us that the Samogitians ‘returned to faith’ 100 years ago and ‘the faithful to the faithful’ created the diocese. I left feeling like I had been slapped in the face. No pilgrimage, no grace of the hills. I met acquaintances from Vilnius. Everyone was very surprised and disappointed,” the letter read.

Father Vilius Viktoravičius, vicar general of the Telšiai Diocese, told LRT.lt that politicians often attend services, almost daily. “We are apolitical and welcome everyone who comes,” he said. He added that five MPs attended the pilgrimage and chose among themselves who would speak. As for what Žemaitaitis said, the priest stated that was his own matter.

When asked how the diocese would respond to upset residents, Viktoravičius insisted that considering their political views or dislike for a particular politician would imply bias on the diocese’s part. “I think this is being politicised (…), we will not adapt to anyone,” he explained.