Bernadeta Miliauskaitė-Harris

Saint Casimir’s Parish – Worcester, Massachusetts
105 Years of Service for God and Country

Bernadeta Miliauskaitė-Harris is a member of the Council of Religious Affairs in the Lithuanian American Community, Inc.

The skyline of Worcester, Massachusetts is dotted with many Catholic churches. Driving through on the highway, one’s eyes are drawn to a tall, stately brick church. Its two copper steeples, with gold crosses atop them, identify it as St. Casimir’s Lithuanian Church, which has been proudly serving God and country for 105 years. St. Casimir’s Parish has made great contributions to the spiritual and cultural life of Lithuanian Americans. Following are some highlights of its rich history.

The early Lithuanian immigrants came from small agricultural towns or villages. Finding themselves in a strange land where the customs, language, work, and people were different, they turned to their religion, whose traditions they had grown up with, for consolation. Bishop Beaven of Springfield granted the early Lithuanian immigrants in Worcester permission to establish a parish, which would be named St. Casimir. They would now have a church around which to organize and thus maintain their culture in a foreign land. A small group of Polish immigrants joined them.

At left is the original painting of St. Casimir, which hung above the main altar before renovations. It is now in the church hall. At right is St. Casimir as he is now portrayed in the church today. Photos: B. Miliauskaitė-Harris

Reverend Joseph Jakštys

Rev. Joseph Jakštys was the first pastor. The first services were held in the basement of Sacred Heart Church on Oct. 31, 1894. In January 1895, a plot of land on Waverly St. was purchased for $1,004.65, and a small wooden church was built on it at a cost of $1,699.77. A rectory was built behind the church in 1899 at a cost of $2,133.62. In those days, a woman earned $2.50 to $5.00 a week; while, a man’s weekly wage ranged from $7.00 to $10.00. Determination and enthusiasm enabled the parishioners to raise the required amount.

In 1900, as more Lithuanians began to arrive, the church became too small. Land was bought on the next block and construction of a brick church began in 1903. The Polish members separated in order to form their own parish. The cornerstone was blessed on May 31, 1903. Construction stopped upon completion of the basement, where services were held starting on Nov. 8. The old wooden church was converted into a hall.

The total cost of the land and the construction of the new church were $47,112.53. Even though construction had not been completed, the parishioners were tired of raising money. Fr. Jakštys was tired also and left on May 17, 1908. Two succeeding pastors, Rev. Dr. Julius Radzevičius and Rev. Vincent Bukaveckas, faced many problems unsuccessfully.

Reverend John J. Jakaitis

Rev. John Jakaitis was appointed pastor on Feb. 27, 1913. He was like an angel sent from heaven to revitalize St. Casimir’ s Parish. Construction was completed in the summer of 1916 at a cost of $76,000. In August, thirteen lots were purchased by Lithuanians living in south Worcester for the construction of a second Lithuanian church. Our Lady of Vilnius (Aušros Vartai) Parish was founded in 1925 and still functions today with Rev. Alphonse Volungis as pastor.

After 12 years of praying in the basement, St. Casimir’s Church was finally completed. What a magnificent sight to behold! There were three marble altars. The main altar, in honor of St. Casimir, had a huge painting of him praying by a church door. The altar to the right was in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary; the altar to the left honored St. Joseph. The beautiful paintings, statues, and Stations of the Cross were admired by all and reflected the deep love for God held by the Lithuanian people. Jesus’ words: "Come to me all who are burdened and I will refresh you", painted across the center arch, were a source of comfort to all.

During his pastorship, Fr. Jakaitis directed efforts to assist Lithuania during World War I by sending donations of money and clothing. He was a member of the delegation to see President Woodrow Wilson, spoke in the U.S. Senate on behalf of Lithuania, and twice visited President Warren Harding seeking the legal recognition of Lithuania. The U.S. recognized Lithuania de jure after the second visit, which was led by Worcester attorney Anthony Miller.

Fr. Jakaitis also bought an old run down club on the shores of Lake Quinsigamond in neighboring Shrewsbury. It was named after the Lithuanian poet, Maironis. Maironis Park became a well-known Lithuanian American cultural center. This elegant hall still operates today.

Rev. Jakaitis left Worcester in 1930 to join the Marian Fathers. As a Marian, he was headmaster of Marianapolis Preparatory School in Thompson, Connecticut (still open), Provincial of the American Province, and built two Lithuanian churches in Argentina. He died in Chicago on March 4, 1965.

Reverend Augustine Petraitis

Rev. Augustine Petraitis succeeded Rev. Jakaitis and served until his death in 1957. A thrifty administrator, he was assisted by Rev. Michael Tamulevičius and Rev. Alphonse Volungis.

In 1944, as the Soviet army occupied Lithuania a second time, many Lithuanians did not wish to suffer under the Communist regime again and fled. This wave of immigrants brought new life to the parish and its organizations. A number of new organizations were formed to maintain the Lithuanian culture in the immigrants’ new land and to work for Lithuania’s independence. At one time there were as many as 35 organizations in the parish. Some were purely religious, others religious and beneficial, social, and cultural. Eleven are active today. Among them are Chapter 5 of the Lithuanian American Roman Catholic Women’s Alliance and Council 26 of the Knights of Lithuania.

Rev. John Bakanas was appointed administrator after Fr. Petraitis’ death.

The monument to those who died for Lithuania’s freedom. Photo: B. Miliauskaitė-Harris

Changes at St. Casimir’s

Bishop Flanagan appointed Rev. John C. Jutkevičius (Jutt) pastor on June 3, 1965. At this time, the changes recommended by Vatican II were being put into effect. Fr. Jutkevičius faced many problems: the church was in need of renovation and a new rectory was needed. He began with the church.

The exterior of the church was sandblasted and remortared. The interior required complete renovation. Even though there was no decree in Vatican Council II, which directly ordered altars to be destroyed, they were. The beautiful interior of St. Casimir’s Church was completely stripped of everything – altars, statues, Stations of the Cross, paintings, pews, and flooring. Under the direction of Prof. Vytautas K. Jonynas, artist and sculptor, and Mr. Apolinaras Treinys, architect, the church was given a contemporary appearance.

A great number of people objected to the removal of the three altars. Despite the explanations given, they could not understand how the Church would order the destruction of altars — doing the same thing the Communists did in their native Lithuania, which they were forced to leave. The last service was held on Jan. 29, 1969. From then on, until the last Sunday in July, Masses were held in the church hall.

St. Casimir ‘s Parish celebrated its diamond jubilee on Oct. 19,1969. Bishops Timothy Harrington and Vincent Brizgys, together with eight priests, concelebrated Mass in a newly designed all white church with the Resurrected Christ as the centerpiece. The diocesan newspaper, The Catholic Free Press, carried photos and an article about the renovation

Reverend John C. Jutkevicius (Jutt)

Fr. Jutkevičius was an American and Lithuanian patriot. Even though he had never been to Lithuania, he understood how much the Lithuanian people had suffered under Communism. He was very active in the Knights of Lithuanian and founder of their Lithuanian Affairs Committee.

He enjoyed traveling with his two brothers, also priests. While vacationing in Africa in June 1971, Father fell ill. He was hospitalized in London, where he died on June 27, 1971.

Rev. Justin Steponaitis was curate under Fr. Jutkevičius. Rev. Albin Yankauskas was appointed pastor after Fr. Jutkevičius's death. Due to poor health, he resigned after a few months.

The Marian Fathers Arrive

Bishop Flanagan was faced with the problem of finding Lithuanian speaking priests for St. Casimir’s. After attending a parish council meeting to discuss the future of the parish, it was voted to enter into a contract with the Marian Fathers, who would provide two priests to staff St. Casimir’s. The administration of the parish would not change, and the responsibilities of the priests involved would be the same as those of diocesan priests. The new pastor was Rev. Anthony Miciūnas, MIC, an experienced administrator. His assistant was Rev. Joseph Budzeika, MIC. After his departure, Rev. Benjamin Uždavinis, MIC, (a parishioner) assisted.

Under Fr. Miciūnas, a new rectory was built. He also had the idea to build a monument to those who died for Lithuania’s freedom. After discussing it with the Worcester chapter of the Lithuanian National Guard in Exile (Šauliai), the Šauliai agreed and began to raise money for the project. The monument was erected next to the church in 1978.

On March 4, 1984, the parish commemorated the 500th anniversary of the death of St. Casimir with a dinner. This commemoration of the feast of St. Casimir continues to be an annual tradition observed on the first Sunday of March.

Reverend Vincent Parulis, MIC

After serving as pastor for 15 years, Fr. Miciūnas, MIC was transferred in the fall of 1987. He died on Sept. 22, 1998. Rev. Vincent Parulis, MIC returned to the parish of his birth to serve as pastor. Rev. John Petrauskas, MIC former headmaster of Marianapolis Preparatory School, was appointed assistant. A second assistant, Rev. Anthony Nockūnas, MIC arrived on Feb. 1, 1994.

Under Fr. Parulis's, MIC skillful administration, church hall renovations were begun. Father celebrated his 50th anniversary in the priesthood on Aug. 28, 1994.

St. Casimir’s Parish celebrated its centennial on Nov. 20, 1994. The liturgical celebration and banquet were befitting of this grand occasion. Rev. Parulis, MIC did not live to see the completion of the church hall’s renovation. He died on March 23, 1996.

Rev. Anthony Nockūnas, MIC currently serves as administrator. Rev. John Petrauskas, MIC assists him.

Organizations take monthly turns hosting coffee hours after Sunday Masses in the newly renovated hall.

The summer of 1999 saw repairs done to the steeples, which were damaged during a violent storm. Copper shingles have replaced the traditional light green color, which stood out of the hilly Worcester landscape for so many years.

The Sisters of St. Casimir at St. Casimir’s School

The history of St. Casimir’s Parish would not be complete without mentioning the parish school and its teachers – the dedicated Sisters of St. Casimir who served for 62 years.

Under Fr. Jakaitis, a three-story brick school with a basement was built in 1924 on the site of the old church hall on Waverly St.. The old rectory behind the school was turned into a convent for the Sisters. Enrollment in 1927-28 was the highest ever – 505 students. After that, it began a slow decline. The school was closed on Jan. 29, 1986. It is still owned by the parish, which rents it to the Worcester Public Schools. It is known as St. Casimir’s Alternative School and is used to educate students who are unable to function in a regular school setting.

The Sisters of St. Casimir did an outstanding job providing the youth with a solid religious and educational foundation. Their expertise was especially appreciated in the children’s sacramental preparation and the imparting of the Lithuanian language. Most importantly, the Sisters inspired many students to enter religious life. Fifty-one girls entered the Sisters of St. Casimir. Eight chose other orders. Nine boys entered the Marian Fathers, one as a brother.

St. Casimir’s Parish is forever grateful to the Sisters of St. Casimir for their outstanding service.

With Hope Toward the Future

Today, St. Casimir’s Church is experiencing a decline. As parishioners pass away, there are no new ones to take their place. The church choir, under the direction of Anna Walinsky, continues to sing at the 10:00 a.m. Lithuanian Sunday Mass, which is attended mostly by the older generation. The choir also sings at funerals, of which there are quite a few. There are no families with young children; therefore no religious education classes, nor First Communion or Confirmation classes. Many new Lithuanian immigrants have come to Worcester and would revitalize our parish if only they would join and attend services. Only a handful has done so.

Jesus said: "...if two of you join your voices on earth to pray for anything whatever, it shall be granted you by my Father in heaven." [Matthew 18; 19] The independence of Lithuania from years of Soviet bondage demonstrates that God indeed does answer our prayers.

Our Father has been gracious and bestowed many blessings on St. Casimir’s Lithuanian Parish through its 105 years. As we thank Him, we continue to pray for vocations to the priesthood and religious life and for new parishioners, so that the dream of St. Casimir’s Parish, which became a reality through the persistence and dedication of its founders, will not die. May God hear our prayers so that Lithuanian hymns continue to ring out joyously in St. Casimir’s Lithuanian Church for yet another 100 years.