Dievo Motinos apsireiškimas Šiluvoje: istorinis, teologinis, etnologinis aspektai

Abstract

Lithuania is a country in the North-Eastern Europe. It has been a Christian country for more than 600 years. The most common confessions are Catholic, Orthodox and Evangelic. Lithuania is comprised of five ethnographic regions: Aukstaitija, Dzūkija, Suvalkija, Žemaitija and Lithuania Minor. Žemaitija distinguishes from other regions by the strength of Catholic faith. The famous sanctuary of the revelation of the Mother of God in Siluva is located in this same region. In the opinion of the Catholic Church and the faithful, the sanctuary of Siluva is a miraculous site since there has happened one of the first revelations of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Europe, according to historical records of the Lithuanian Catholic Church. Nevertheless, there are no remaining documents confirming the revelation of the Mother of God in Siluva. It proves the relevance of this topic. Researches of many scientific fields present only the very fact of the revelation of the Mother of God in Siluva, but they do not analyse it in detail or why did it happen. Therefore, causality of the revelation of the Mother of God in Siluva was chosen as the object of research. The tasks of research: 1. Briefly present the data about the revelation of the Mother of God in Siluva; 2. Look into the event of revelation in the context of theology of the Catholic Church; 3. Analyse how the event of Mary’s revelation in Siluva might be related to ancient Lithuanian worldview; 4. Based on presented material and insights present conclusions revealing the reasons that determined the revelation. The conclusion can be made that the revelation of the Mother of God in Siluva was determined by: 1. Ancient Lithuanian worldview that was still alive in Siluva in the 17th century, which was one of inducements for the miracle (revelation) to happen; 2. Siluva of the 17th century was the hotbed of frictions between Christian confessions (Catholic and Calvinist). This stimulated the revelation of the Mother of God that destined Lithuania to remain a Catholic country. 3. Before ascension to heaven, Jesus promised to send His Spirit that will take care of His disciples. Maria, as intercessor and mediator, saved Lithuania and its people from the shackles of paganism and Calvinism. Presented conclusions allow hypothetically treating the revelation of the Mother of God in Siluva in 1608 as a regular event that was determined by certain circumstances.