I love Vilnius.

Vilnius is so full of wonderful pilgrimage sites, including those related to modern Divine Mercy message and its beginnings. I am extremely happy to make them all known for every visitor of our center. Looking forward to meet you!

J'adore Vilnius

I look forward to the visits of pilgrims and the prayerful from Lithuania and the entire world at the House of St. Faustina. I meet a large variety of people. When I tell them about Jesus, St. Faustina and the Blessed M. Sopočka, I hope that Divine Mercy will touch them. Every individual that has been touched by Divine Mercy has to spread the news of God‘s love and mercy.

St. Faustina is my teacher. She began writing her diary at her home in Antakalnis at the house that miraculously survived over the years. St. Faustina taught humility, obedience, wisdom from silence, prayer, mercy and other virtues. Also, complete reliance on God‘s will. It isn‘t easy; I often don‘t do my homework or don‘t get a credit. But, I know that faith and trust will only lead to good.
There are days when this vocation becomes very intense, and that is when Jesus‘ shoulder is there for me. Just knowing that you aren‘t and never will be neglected helps you to move forward. In 1935, the Image of Divine Mercy was displayed at the Gates of Dawn. In her vision, St. Faustina saw how the rays of light affected everybody: some more, some less, but really touched EVERY person.
I truly feel the grace of God working at the House of St. Faustina.

Today, the Sisters of St. Faustina are relevant more than ever worldwide as apostles of Divine Mercy. It brings us joy that the news of Divine Mercy spread from Vilnius such a far distance, and that more and more pilgrims from all over the world visit the House of St. Faustina. Sacred places – like Heaven‘s embassy on earth, where everyone is invited to find peace and spiritual energy. The House of St. Faustina is a unique place where we welcome everybody, from people starting on their spiritual path to seasoned veterans with strong faith.
I work at the House of St. Faustina. When pilgrims visit, I can feel that even today, St. Faustina protects everybody who tries to follow a spiritual path, and unconditionally accepts the news of Divine Mercy. I must admit, we all travel on our path until we find the true joy of the spirit. At the House of St. Faustina, there is an abundance of accounts of witnesses. This just confirms that every word written in her diary is the real truth, and the news of Divine Mercy is an unmeasurable grace. You will undoubtedly feel that energy when you visit the house where she lived, prayed, and wrote in her diary.
I am happy to serve every person who visits the house and encourage returning again. May you always feel the unlimited grace of Divine Mercy.

Having a chance to work at the Vilnius Pilgrim Centre purely reflects on the idea proclaimed by one of my most adored Lithuanian philosopher Juozas Girnius: ''Respect for the history and attentiveness for the present matures our future''.

To share one’s experiences about Lithuania and to be heard by the others encompasses stories and lessons of yesterday, joy of this day, and the unknown of tomorrow.

All of this comes down to an infinitive trust that regardless of what happens, everything is going to be just fine. It goes without saying that spreading trust all over Vilnius can only grow because Vilnius is the city from where Divine Mercy was brought to the daylight and people from all over the globe are being drawn to it. As it was before, it still keeps being the testimonial for devoting oneself to the Lord Above. And if you ask me, Vilnius is the place for discovering yourself, meeting others and, most essentially, God.

A human being is created to search for the meaning of his life, to create goals and try to reach them. A pilgrimage can help bring you closer to your goal. A person who decides to go on a pilgrimage not only comes closer to a particular church or site, but to other pilgrims as well. You can’t continue without saying hello, waving your hand or sharing a smile with people you meet on your journey. A pilgrimage enables you to build relationships with others – people you know and even strangers, and that’s where one finds the unexpected joy of discovery or friendship.

Moreover, pilgrimage brings a person closer to himself. There is an opportunity to discover yourself and see yourself in a new light – more authentic, simpler and more sincere, because those who might otherwise make you uncomfortable, are left behind. On a pilgrimage it is good to get tired, hungry, even dirty, because that helps you to get in touch with your humanity, to see your limits, and feel humbler. How little is needed for the pilgrim's happiness – a cup of hot tea, a safe haven from rain or dry shoes after a long day on the road! Physical discomfort and fatigue paradoxically contrast with returning inner freedom and tranquillity, when joy fills your soul and once again you realize that you haven’t felt this sincere, humble, true to yourself and free for a long time.

During a pilgrimage it is important to remember the reason, which led you to it. That greater goal gives the meaning to your journey, to all your efforts, and all discomfort you might have experienced. If it were just for yourself, and not for this greater goal, you would have probably made it only to the grocery store to buy something for dinner, and would not have gone on this difficult journey. You are going on this pilgrimage because you have this longing, this desire to meet God, who purifies your heart, who loves you and is waiting for you. The true fulfilment of the pilgrimage lies in your desire to come closer to God, by strengthening your trust in Him, by immersing yourself into new surroundings and meeting people. This experience is filled with gratitude for all you see, for sun and rain, because even bad weather is instrumental in reminding you about human fragility and the never-ending guidance of God, who is always there to protect you. For me, a pilgrimage is first and foremost an approach to another person, to my true self and to God, who is loving and teaches me to trust Him.

A young student who longed to do a lot of good for humanity once asked St. Francis de Sales:
- What can I do for the sake of peace in the world?
- Start by closing the door more gently…

Bruno Ferrero

Step by small step, listening attentively. With a broad smile. In constant movement. Set off on the real Pilgrimage – that of life.

Vilnius has always been my dream city. Whether I was wandering around my small home town or the seaside streets of San Francisco, I always longed to return to Vilnius. This city’s fascinating history can still be felt in the narrow and twisting streets of the Vilnius Old Town. The freedom and creativity of the people here. The church towers amidst the city’s woods and atop its hills. The early morning mists and golden sunsets worthy of the best painter’s brush or photographer’s lens. The four seasons that make the city always different and exciting. That hill of roses in Užupis reminds me of Rome, while the Orthodox church by the Gate of Dawn makes me think of Jerusalem. And the ability to go everywhere you need to go by bicycle… Those are my Vilnius secrets, anyway. Everyone finds their own somewhat unique personal Vilnius. And today I’m thrilled to able to present this city of my dreams to pilgrims also as the City of Mercy.