Today, February 5, we commemorate the 40th anniversary of the death of the prominent priest, missionary, and dissident, Juozas Zdebskis. This is an opportunity to remember a prominent personality of the second half of the 20th century, who left a deep mark on the history of the Lithuanian Church and freedom struggles.
On September 21, 1952, Juozas Zdebskis was ordained a priest. In 1966, he was appointed pastor of the Kapčiamiestis parish, and later - from 1974 to 1984 - pastored the Šlavantai Church of the Annunciation of the Lord to the Blessed Virgin Mary. In early 1986, priest Juozas Zdebskis was appointed pastor of Rudamina, but he did not hold this position for long.
On February 5, 1986, a tragic accident occurred in the Šalčininkai district, on the Kalesninkai - Eišiškės road: a passenger car and a milk tanker collided. Priest Juozas Zdebskis, who was driving the passenger car, died in the accident. It is believed that his death may have been staged by Soviet security. The priest was buried in the Rudamina churchyard.
To commemorate this anniversary, we invite you to join the commemoration events and honor Father Juozas Zdebskis.
February 7th in Rudamina, Lazdijai district.
- 12:00 - Holy Mass in the Holy Trinity Church of Rudamina, led by Cardinal Sigitas Tamkevičius SJ
- 13:00 - unveiling of the memorial plaque and joint prayer at the grave of Father Juozas Zdebskis.
February 7th at Lazdijai Cultural Center
- 2:00 PM communion at the banquet table, presentation "Fighter for the Kingdom of Heaven"
We also invite you to a symbolic exhibition in memory of the honorary citizen of Lazdijai district, priest Juozas Zdebskis.
- It is on display at the Museum of Freedom Struggles from February 4-7.
- February 7 - Lazdijai Cultural Center.
We also invite you to visit his memorial exhibition in the former rectory in Šlavantai, where liturgical vestments, personal belongings, and other exhibits commemorating the priest's life and activities are on display.
The museum can be visited by prior arrangement by phone. More information about the museum: https://www.lazdijai-turizmas.lt/lankytinos-vietos/juozo-zdebskio-muziejus/
Photo by Freedom Struggle Museum
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