90th anniversary of the church in Jęczmieniszki, solemnly and joyfully

First the High Mass in the church with carillons, gifts, and procession, and then the festival with singing, dancing, and porridge from the soldier kitchen – that is how the citizens from Jęczmieniszki celebrated the 90^th anniversary of their church. The wooden church of St. Antoni from Padwa in Jęczmieniszki was built in the year 1924.

Jęczmieniszki is a small village, but it has its own church. As the headman of Niemenczyn municipality, born and living in Jęczmieniszki – Edward Puncewicz – the Vilnius bishop Jerzy Matulewicz has established the jęczmieniska parish in the year 1922 under a request of villagers and the region. The church has been built for half a year – also thanks to the huge commitment of parish members who wanted to have their own sanctuary.

‘When I was young a lot of people were coming to the church: parents, children’ – says 80 years old Róża Sudenis, who had organized processions in the church of Jęczmieniszki for 60 years. Similar memories has also Aniela Milewicz – mother of a well-known story-teller from Vilnius region Anna Adamowicz. Currently Milewicze family lives in Budwidze, but, as Anna Adamowicz highlights, her Small Motherland is Hajdaniszki in jęczmieniska parish.

In a similar way about Jęczmieniszki and the church with the appearance of St. Antoni from Padwa on the high altar say many other people. Even if currently someone lives somewhere else, the sweatest memories are connected with the place where he was born.

The ceremony of the 90^th anniversary of the church in Jęczmieniszki was the opportunity to meet old friends and family, as well as the occasion for memories, common pray and fun. Róża Sudenis was pleased that the church was full once more, as it was when she was young.

On the basis of: Inf.wł.

Pictures: Jan Wierbiel

Assembly: Artur Kalczewski