Piety
The painting of Our Lady of Sorrows, which hangs at the altar of the same name, has long been famous for answered prayers. It is the oldest image in the Kaunas Cathedral. Votive offerings displayed on either side of the painting testify to the many graces that have been received. Even today, some devout souls, as an act of penance, go in circles on their knees around the pillar with the altar of Our Lady of Sorrows. The feast of Our Lady of Sorrows is celebrated on the Friday before Passion (or “Palm”) Sunday. An effort has been made in recent years to revive traditions surrounding that liturgical feast, which during the period between the two World Wars would draw large crowds. In the years after World War II, the mothers, wives, daughters and sisters of partisans and of prisoners in Siberia were known kneel in prayer at this altar.
The “Most Gracious Mother” painting of the Blessed Virgin, which has hung in the Kaunas Cathedral since 2001, is also associated with extraordinary graces. The image previously hung in the Kaunas Bernardine Church of St George the Martyr. Documents in the archives of the Kaunas Bernardine convent testify to the painting’s miraculous character. Of special note are the accounts of miraculous occurrences registered between 1669 and 1706, mostly uncommon healings. Other indications of the graces which people have received praying before this image are the votive offerings surrounding it and the fact that a special chapel was built for it in the Church of St George.
Since 2005, perpetual adoration of the Blessed Sacrament has taken place in the Kaunas Cathedral’s Chapel of the Blessed Sacrament. During adoration, the Liturgy of the Hours is recited and hymns are sung. People also pray the Rosary and the Divine Mercy Chaplet.
