Kauno bažnyčių lietuvėjimas XX a. 3-iajame dešimtmetyje

Abstract

The article analyzes the process of the lithuanization of churches in Kaunas and its complications in 1930s. The object of the research is the process by which Lithuanian language gradually gained a dominant position in additional services (in the part of Church’s ritual, which was not held in Latin, but in lingua vernacula, i.e., Gospel readings, preaching, singing hymns, etc.). The study is based on the material from archival funds (Kaunas Archdiocese Archives and Lithuanian State Historical Archives) and periodical press. At the beginning of the 20th century the majority of additional services in Kaunas Cathedral Basilica (including the noon mass) were held in Polish (the part of Church’s ritual, which was held in lingua vernacula). This situation did not satisfy the interests of the majority of Kaunas Lithuanian Catholics. Lithuanian public’s permanent appeals to Samogitian Bishop and dissatisfaction expressed in the press determined that in December of 1923 Chapter of Samogitian Diocese decided that all additional services of Holidays at Kaunas Cathedral Basilica must be held only in Lithuanian language. At the beginning 1930s most additional services in Kaunas churches were held in Polish (the part of Church’s ritual, which was held in lingua vernacula). This situation did not satisfy the national composition of Kaunas population which had changed. According to the data of 1923 General census of the Lithuanian population, about 60.83 percent of Kaunas residents were Lithuanians and about 4.37 percent were Poles. The situation presupposed the need of the lithuanization of churches in Kaunas. In the end of 1923 and in the beginning of 1924 the strife became apparent between Lithuanian-speaking and Polish-speaking believers in the St. Cross (Carmelite), St. Trinity and Blessed Sacred Heart of Jesus (Šančiai) churches. [...]