The name of the first Lithuanian to arrive in the Worcester area is unknown.  It is speculated that he arrived around 1869, but later left for Pittsburg, PA.  Once Lithuanians began arriving in larger numbers, they settled on farms before moving to Worcester.  Mr. Stremikis arrived in 1879, Stasys Kupstas two years later.  He married and started the first Lithuanian family in Worcester.  The early Lithuanian pioneers were: Andrius, Stasys and Vincas Kupstas, Jokubas Botinas, Jonas Kraipavicius, Juozas Grazulis, Adomas Grazulis, Tomas Migauskas and Mykolas Jarosevicius, among others.  In order to aid each other in times of need, they founded the first benefit society, St. Joseph's, which functioned about ten years.

St. Casimir's Benefit Society, which was the moving force for the establishment of a Lithuanian parish, was founded on January 18, 1891.  That same year, a Lithuanian priest, Rev. Andrius Juodisius, arrived from New York to hear Easter confessions.  This was a joyous occasion.  As the number of Lithuanians increased, Fr. Juodisius tried to visit more frequently.  When we was unable, Fr. Masiotas took his place.  The time had come for the founding of a parish.

Fr. Juodisius returned at summer's end in 1894.  He brought with him Rev. Joseph Jakstys, a newly ordained priest from the Seinu diocese of Lithuania.  Together with Vincas Kupstas, president of St. Casimir Society, they called a meeting.  Since the Lithuanians had no hall, they met at the home of Tomas Migauskas.  The young Fr. Jakstys was joyfully welcomed by all.  The small but determined group of 30 individuals decided not to wait any longer, but found their own parish.

Four representatives were elected to meet with the bishop in order to obtain permission.  Two visits to Bishop Thomas D. Beaven of Springfield were unsuccessful -- he refused to meet with them.  A few Lithuanians managed to approach the bishop in Millbury, where he was confirming.  There, too, he refused to speak with them about founding a parish.  Fr. Jakstys went with the representatives to see the bishop a fourth time.  The visit was also unsuccessful.  Fr. Jakstys did manage to leave his address with the bishop's secretary.  After a few days, he was invited to see the bishop.

Bishop Beaven expressed his doubts as to whether the small Lithuanian colony would be able to support a parish.  He agreed to let them establish one if 300 signatures were collected.  In two weeks, almost 400 signatures were gathered and permission was granted.  Worcester's Lithuanians rejoiced at the news that they would finally be able to have their own parish and to worship God in their native language.

A small group of Polish immigrants joined the newly formed Lithuanian parish.  The name selected was that of "The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary."  St. Casimir's Society strongly insisted that it be named after St. Casimir, and so it was.  The first services were held in the basement of Sacred Heart Church on October 21, 1894.  Fr. Jakstys lived in the rectory for one month.  He then lived at 5 Trumbull Street and later on Fox Street.  Shortly after, services were transferred to Notre Dame Church, where they were held until the fall of 1895.  The pastor, Fr. Brulette, was very kind toward the Lithuanians.

On December 30, 1894 the parishioners voted to buy a plot of land for the church and rectory.  In January 1895, a plot was purchased on Waverly Street for $1004.65, and a small wooden church was build on it at a cost of $1699.77.  It had no basement or choir loft.  This first Lithuanian church in Worcester was blessed by Msgr. Griffin, pastor of St. John's Church.

Next, parishioners began to collect money for the construction of a rectory.  In those days, a woman earned $2.50-$5.00 per week, while a man's weekly wage ranged from $7.00-$10.00.  Determination and enthusiasm enabled them to raise the required amount.  The rectory was built behind the church in 1899 at a cost of $2133.62.  Return to Top.

Rev. Joseph Jakstys

The situation of Fr. Jakstys was not an easy one.  Having just arrived from Lithuania, he did not speak English.  This presented difficulties in communication with local priests and administrators.  Since he was the only Lithuanian priest in the Springfield diocese, he also had to minister to the spiritual needs of the other area Lithuanians.

In 1900, as more Lithuanians began to arrive, St. Casimir's Church became too small.  The pastor was faces with the task of building a new church.  The parishioners voted to buy land bounded by Providence, Waverly, and Clarkson Streets at a cost of $13,980.59.  Construction of a brick church was begun in 1903.  At this time, the Polish parish members separated in order to found their own parish.

The cornerstone was blessed on May 31, 1903.  Construction stopped upon completion of the basement where services were held starting on November 8.  The old wooden church was converted into a hall at a cost of $338.50.  The total cost of the church of the land and the construction of the new church was $47,112.53.

Due to the large amount of the mortgage, interest alone was $2000 a year.  The parishioners were tired of raising money, even though construction had not yet been completed.  Fr. Jakstys was tired also.  On May 17, 1908 he bid farewell to his parishioners and left Worcester.  After World War I, he returned to Lithuania.  Return to top.

Troubled Times

The new pastor, Rev. Dr. Julius Radzevicius arrived one week later on May 24, 1908.  He faced a difficult situation.  Parishioners were unhappy with the huge parish debt.  Taking advantage of this and the fact that Fr. Radzevicius spoke Lithuanian poorly, agitators began urging parishioners to leave St. Casimir's Parish.  Under the leadership of Stasys Mickevicius, they started a new church, All Saints, which was independent from the Roman Catholic Church.  They were successful in luring away many parishioners, who found it difficult to distinguish the true Catholic faith from the ideas proclaimed by the agitators.  Fr. Radzevicius was unable to remedy the situation and asked the bishop to relieve him of his duties.  On November 30, 1908, he was assigned to Gardner to establish a Lithuanian-Polish parish there.

The next pastor, Rev. Vincent Bukaveckas, celebrated his first Mass at St. Casimir's Church on December 6.  He sold parish property on Clarkson Street for $3000.  This decreased the parish debt to $26,000.  He invited a Capuchin missionary, Fr. Casimir, to give missions.  This weakened All Saints Church.  He invited Rev. Joseph Montvila to be curate.  Unfortunately, he died while crossing the Atlantic on the Titanic.

Despite all of his efforts, Fr. Bukaneckas received little support from his parishioners.  Some even considered establishing a new parish without the bishop's permission.  These worries, along with poor health and old age, brought about Fr. Bukaveckas' departure from St. Casimir's Parish on February 23, 1913.  Return to top.

The Blessing of St. Casimir's Church

Rev. John J. Jakaitis was appointed pastor by Bishop Beaven on February 27, 1913.  He was like an angel sent from heaven to revitalize St. Casimir's Parish.  He achieved a religious renewal in the parish by personally organizing and directing missions.  Strong leadership skills enabled him to draw back the parishioners who had left.  The independent parish was forced to liquidate.  Fifteen thousand dollars of debt was paid off in the first year and $6000 in the second.

Lithuanians living in South Worcester wanted to establish a second Lithuanian parish there.  At a meeting called by Fr. Jakaitis on January 17, 1915, he explained that a second parish could not be established until St. Casimir's Church was completed.  The parishioners agreed.  Construction was completed in the summer of 1916 at a cost of $76,000.  In August, thirteen lots were purchased on a hill in South Worcester for the construction of a second Lithuanian church.  Cost was $1100.  Our Lady of Vilna (Ausros Vartai) Parish was founded in 1925.

After 12 years of praying in the basement, St. Casimir's Church was finally completed.  What a magnificent sight to behold!  There were three altars.  The main one, in honor of St. Casimir, had a huge paintaing of him praying by a church door.  The altar to the right of the main altar was in honor of Blessed Virgin Mary.  The altar to the left was in honor of 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.

The long awaited day finally arrived on October 12, 1916, when the church was blessed.  The magnitude of the celebration reflected the parishioners' joy.  There was a parade through the city.  Participating were all of the parish organizations, the Knights of Lithuania council and the Daughters of Lithuania -- both from Boston, St. Anne's Society from Athol, the Worcester Knights of Columbus, as well as some Irish and French organizations.  After the parade, Bishop Beaven blessed the church.  Assisting him were Rev. E. Fitzgerald of Clinton, Rev. C. Vasys and Rev. A Petraitis.  Rev. J. Ambotas delivered the sermon.  Many guests participated.

After Mass, the celebration continued with a banquet in the church hall.  A concert held that evening in Mechanics Hall attacted about 4,000 people.  Performing were St. Casimir's choir under the direction of John Cizauskas and Joseph Bliudzius' orchestra.

The organ was installed at a cost of $5,000.  It was blessed on July 15, 1917.  A religious concert was held.  Two bells were purchased for $2,100 and blessed on August 10, 1919.  One bell was named in honor of Jesus and had a verse from the Lithuanian hymn, "Apsaugok Auksciausias ta mylima sali..." ("Protect, O Lord, our beloved homeland...") inscribed on it.  The other bell was named in honor of Mary with a verse from the popular Lithuanian Marian hymn, "Marija, Marija skaisciausia lilija," inscribed on it.  The basement was converted into a hall at the cost of $3,570.  Return to top.

Rev. John J. Jakaitis

Rev. John J. Jakaitis was born on June 24, 1886 in the Sakiu region of Lithuania.  After attending the seminary, he arrived in the United States in 1906 and completed his theological studies in Montreal.  He was ordained on December 18, 1908, and served as curate at Holy Rosary Parish in Clinton before being assigned to Worcester.

During his pastorship, Fr. Jakaitis directed his efforts to assist Lithuania during World War I.  He directed a fund which raised $31,284.56.  This money, along with later donations of money and clothing, was sent to Lithuania.

Fr. Jakaitis 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 second visit was led by Worcester attorney Anthony J. Miller.  The United States recognized Lithuania de jure after this visit.

In 1923, Father John J. Jakaitis organized another group of Lithuanians into a company of shareholders, and the Bigelow Estate on the shores of Lake Quinsigamond in Shrewsbury was bought to serve as a place for local Lithuanian organizations to hold picnics and having family outings. The estate was named after the Lithuanian poet, Maironis.  On May 30, 1924, the grand opening of the Park was celebrated. Maironis Park became a well-known Lithuanian-American cultural center and still functions today.

The education of his parishioners was also a concern of Fr. Jakaitis.  In 1913, he organized a summer school to teach religious and the Lithuanian language.  Evening adult education classes were taught in places provided by the School Department of Worcester.  Fr. Jakaitis himself taught on Saturdays.  In 1924, a parish school was opened.  (See separate article.)

Parish construction, as well as patriotic and educational endeavors, took their toll on Fr. Jakaitis.  In 1925, he left for Lithuania to rest.  His duties were taken over by Rev. Constantine Vasys.  In 1927, Fr. Jakaitis returned and served as pastor for two more years before requesting Bishop O'Leary to relieve him of his pastoral duties.  On July 7, 1929, Rev. Augustine Petraitis of Athol was appointed pastor.  Fr. Jakaitis remained as his assistant until January 28, 1930.  He left Worcester to join the Marian Fathers.

Fr. Jakaitis will long be remembered not only for his accomplishments, but for his love and devotion to his parishioners as well.  He was an energetic pastor, a great social worker and Lithuanian patriot.  He celebrated the Golden Anniversary of his priesthood in Worcester in 1959.

As a Marian Father, he was headmaster of Marianapolis Preparatory School, Provincial of the American Province and build two Lithuanian churches in Argentina.  He died in Chicago on March 4, 1965.  Return to top.

Rev. Augustine Petraitis

The pastorship of Rev. Augustine Petraitis (1929-1957) was much calmer than that of Fr. Jakaitis (1913-1929).  When he came to Worcester, the mortgage debt was $39,750 and there was $4,419.94 in the checking account.  The debt was paid off in ten years.  The hall was renovated for $3,000 and the church repaired for $10,000.

A thrifty administrator, Fr. Petraitis did not overburden his parishioners.  He was content with offerings of only 25 cents for both the support of the church and the sustenance of the priests.  He saved $60,000 for the church by 1954.  In 1955, renovation of the hall and installation of new central heating furnaces cost $60,000.  The organ was overhauled for $6,000.

Fr. Petraitis was patriotic and dedicated lots of time to instilling a Lithuanian spirit in the school.  He organized a commemoration of the 500th anniversary of Vytautas the Great.  He insisted the Lithuanian be spoken in the rectory.  Only in 1949 was an English reading of the Gospel at Mass introduced.  The 11:30am English Mass was introduced in 1954.

On October 22, 1944, St. Casimir's Parish celebrated its Golden Jubilee.

Fr. Petraitis was born on April 22, 1887 in the village of Ziedeliai, Lithuania.  He began his seminary studies in Kaunas, but finished them in the United States at Sts. Cyril and Methodius Seminary in Orchard Lake, Michigan.  He was ordained on December 19, 1915 and celebrated his first Mass at St. Casimir's Church.  He was curate in Gilbertville, before service as curate at St. Casimir's Parish for two years.  On March 17, 1917, he was appointed pastor of St. Francis Parish, Athol.  He was appoint pastor of St. Casimir's Parish on July 7, 1929 and was pastor for 28 years.  He died on August 30, 1957.

Among Fr. Petraitis' curates were Rev. Michael Tamulevicius and Rev. Alphonse Volungis.

Fr. Tamulevicius was born on December 26, 1915 in Brandford, Connecticut, the son of William and Frances (Molls) Tamulevicius.  He grew up in Worcester and lived here most of his life.

After graduating from Marianapolis Academy in 1935 and Marianapolis Junior College in 1937, he studied for the priesthood in Canada.  He graduated from the House of Philosophy and the Grand Seminary in Montreal, Canada.  He was ordained to the priesthood on June 19, 1943 in St. Michael's Cathedral in Springfield by Bishop Thomas M. O'Leary.

He was first assigned to St. Francis of Assisi Church in Athol where he served as assistant for three years.  He was then assigned to St. Casimir's Church.  Here he was very active with the youth of the parish, especially the Knights of Lithuania.  He was also the director of the newly instituted Lector -- a Commentator Program.  "Father Mike," as he was popularly known, was much loved and admired by parishioners of all ages because of his humility, friendliness and dedication.  After 18 years of service at St. Casimir's Parish, he was made administrator of Our Lady of Vilna Church in 1963.  On June 4, 1965 he was assigned to St. Francis Church in Athol as pastor.  On May 16, 1968, Fr. Tamulevicius was appointed pastor of Our Lady of Vilna Church.  He was the first parishioner of Our Lady of Vilna Church to become a priest.  Everyone was greatly shocked and saddened by his untimely death caused by a brain tumor on September 15, 1969.  He is buried in Notre Dame Cemetery, Worcester.

Fr. Volungis was born in Worcester.  After graduating from The College of the Holy Cross, he entered the seminary in Montreal.  He was ordained in 1945.  He was curate at St. Casimir's Parish, then at Our Lady of Vilna from 1955 and at St. Francis Parish, Athol, from 1957.  In 1959, he was reassigned to St. Casimir's Parish where he remained until 1967.  Then he was assigned to St. Thomas-a-Becket Parish as pastor.  Bishop Flanagan appointed him pastor of Our Lady of Vilna Parish in 1969 where he continued to serve for more than 30 years before retiring.  Fr. Volungis died at the age of 89 in 2008.  Return to top.

A New Wave of Immigrants

In 1944, the Soviet Army drove the Nazis out of Lithuania and once again occupied it.  Many Lithuanians did not wish to suffer from the terroristic regime of the Soviets a second time and fled to Germany.  About 70,000 of them lived there in displaced persons camps.  From Germany, many of them sailed to Canada, England and Australia.  When the United States passed the Displaced Persons Act, many fled to America.  About 500 came to Worcester.  They needed jobs and dwellings.  Many parishioners helped the newcomers start new lives by guaranteeing them jobs and lodgings.  Among them: Fr. A. Petraitis, Fr. Stasys Vembre, Julia Mack, Anele Zubaviciene and V. Staliulionis.

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 country and to work for the independence of Lithuania.  Return to top.

Rev. John Bakanas

After Fr. Petraitis' death in 1957, Rev. John Bakanas was appointed administrator.  He was the first priest born and raised in Worcester, to be ordained from the parish.  During his administration, a second English Mass was introduced at 8:30am, and three houses in back of the church were bought and demolished to make room for a parking lot at a cost of $33,000.

Three important events in the history of Worcester's Lithuanians occurred: the 500th Jubilee of the birth of St. Casimir in 1958, a Lithuanian festival held at Memorial Auditorium in 1960, and a demonstration held by Worcester's Lithuanians against Communism in 1965.

Fr. Bakanas was born on February 13, 1906.  After high school, he entered Holy Cross College in Dunkirk, New York.  He studied theology at seminaries in Montreal and Baltimore.  Bishop Thomas O'Leary ordained him on June 14, 1930 at St. Michael's Cathedral in Springfield, MA.  He spent most of his time at St. Casimir's Parish and Our Lady of Vilna Parish.  He was chaplain of the Lithuanian War Veterans for 30 years and spiritual advisor to the Knights of Lithuania for 10 years.

On June 3, 1965, Bishop Flanagan appointed Rev. John C. Jutkevicius (Jutt) as pastor.  Fr. Bakanas remained as assistant until November 9, 1971 when we was again appointed administrator.  After the Marian Fathers came to St. Casimir's Parish, he stayed on as curate.  He retired on June 15, 1972 and resided in Vianney House, whil continuing to help St. Casimir's Church.  In 1980, he celebrated his Golden Jubilee.  He died on September 17, 1981 and is buried in St. John's Cemetery.  Return to top.

The Renovation of St. Casimir's Church

On June 3, 1965, Bishop Bernard Flanagan appointed Rev. John C. Jutkevicius (Jutt) as pastor.  Upon arriving at St. Casimir's Parish, Fr. Jutt was faced with many problems: the church was in need of renovation, a new rectory was needed, the school and convent needed repairs.  He began with the church.

The entire exterior was send-blasted and re-mortared.  The steeples were repaired and repainted.  The interior required complete renovation.  A great number of people objected to the removal of the three altars, some for sentimental reasons, while others for reasons which seemed quite valid.  The parish has many families of displaced persons.  Despite the explanations given, they could not understand how the Church could order the destruction of altars, doing the same thing the Communists did when they were forced to leave their native Lithuania.  The fact that there was no decree in Vatican Council II which directly ordered the altars to be destroyed made it even more difficult to comprehend.  However, renewal was imperative and the project was approved by Bishop Flanagan.  The last service was held on January 29, 1969.  From then on, until the last Sunday in July, services and Masses were held in the church hall.

The church was completely stripped of everything -- the altars, statues, pews, stations of the cross, paintings 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.  Mr. John Naikelis renovated the sacristy and installed new pews.  The cost of the entire renovation was close to $100,000.  Return to top.

St. Casimir's Diamond Jubilee

A committee was organized in the fall of 1966 to plan St. Casimir's Diamond Jubilee, which was to be celebrated in 1969.  The observance began on May 23, 1969 with a concert given by two parishioners who were well-known soloists: Lillian Mickeviciute-Mernik and R. Kazys Yakutis.  A reception for the singers was held at Maironis Park after the concert.  Charles Tagman was chairman.

A picnic was held at Point Rok on September 6 and 7.  Stephen Walinsky, Sr. was chairman.

On October 19, Bishops Timothy Harrington and Vincent Brizgys, concelebrated Mass at 11:30am.  The Jubilee banquet took blace at 4:00pm in the church hall and was catered by Mrs. Elena Kausevicius.  Musical selections were provided by R. Kazys Yakutis and the Worcester Art Lover's Circle (Meno Megeju Ratelis) Quintet.  Greetings and speeches were given by: Worcester Mayor John Shea, State Representative Charles Tagman, State Senator Daniel Foley, Congressman Harold Donahue, Bishop Timothy Harrington, and others.

A special book was published for the observance.  The committee included: Anthony Miner - Chairman, Eugene Parulis - Advertising Chairman, Mary Miner - English text of the Parish History, Pranas Pauliukonis - Lithuanian text of the Parish History, and Ellen Kosmer - book cover designer.  Return to top.

Rev. John C. Jutkevicius (Jutt)

Rev. John C. Jutkevicius (Jutt) was born and raised in Westfield, MA.  After high school, he spent two years studying in the preparatory seminary at St. Charles' College in Catonsville, Maryland.  His philosophical and theological studies were completed in Montreal's House of Philosophy and Grand Seminary.  He was ordained a priest at St. Michael's Cathedral in Springfield on May 18, 1940.  After 15 years as curate at Our Lady of Vilna Parish, he was appointed pastor of St. Francis Parish in Athol on July 31, 1961.  He was also a Synodal Judge on the Matrimonial Court.

In 1965, he was assigned to St. Casimir's Parish as pastor.  At this time, the changes recommended by Vatican II were being put into effect.  Since Masses were to be celebrated in the vernacular, new missals were needed for the altar and the people.  On the first Sunday of Advent, 1965, Mass was said in English.

The new liturgy called for lectors and commentators to read and give instructions in Lithuanian.  Pranas Pauliukonis translated the 180-page commentator's book.  A Lithuanian missal was not printed until later.  The entire project received much understanding and complete cooperation from Jr. Jutt.  The first Lithuanian Mass was celebrated on June 28, 1966 at 10:00am.  A second Lithuanian Mass at 7:00am was introduced in 1967.

Besides being an exemplary pastor, Fr. Jutt was also 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 Lithuania and worked hard for Lithuania's independence.  He founded the Lithuanian Affairs Committee of the Knights of Lithuania.  Fr. Jutt enjoyed traveling and vacationed in Africa in June 1971 with his two brothers, also priests.  There, he fell ill and was hospitalized in London where he died on June 27, 1971.  Everyone was shocked and saddened by the news.  The wake was held in St. Casimir's rectory on July 4.  The funeral Mass took place on July 5.  Over 130 priests, sisters from various religious congregations and people filled St. Casimir's Church to overflowing.  The crowd spilled over into the church yard and Providence Street.  Bishop Flanagan, Bishop Wheldon of Springfield, and Fr. Anthony and Fr. Julius Jutt (the pastor's brothers) were among the many concelebrants.  City and state representatives attended also.  He was buried in St. Mary's Cemetery, Westfield.  Return to top.

Rev. Albin Yankauskas

Rev. Albin Yankauskas was the last pastor to serve St. Casimir's Parish before the Marian Fathers took over its administration.  He was born in Worcester on March 1, 1923.  After high school, he band his studies in St. Thomas Seminary, Bloomfield, CT.  He completed his theological studies in Montreal's Grand Seminary.  Bishop (later Cardinal) John Wright ordained him on May 19, 1951 at St. Paul's Cathedral, Worcester.  He served in various parishes of the Worcester diocese.  In 1966, he was named administrator of Our Lady of Vilna Parish.  In 1968, he was appointed pastor of St. Francis Parish, Athol.  After Fr. Jutt's death, Bishop Flanagan named Fr. Yankauskas pastor of St. Casimir's Parish on September 10, 1971.  Due to poor health, he resigned as pastor in November 1971.  After his health improved, he returned to his pastoral duties.  He continued to reside in Worcester until his death in September 2007.  Return to top.

The Marian Fathers Arrive at St. Casimir's Parish

Bishop Flanagan was faced with the problem of finding Lithuanian priests for St. Casimir's Parish.  On January 7, 1972, Bishop Flanagan and Auxiliary Bishop Harrington attended the parish council meeting to discuss the future of the parish.  The Lithuanian Franciscan Fathers and the Marian Fathers had agreed to staff the parish.  The majority voted in favor of the Marian Fathers.  They would provide two priests to staff the parish under a contract agreement.  The administration of the parish would not change and the responsibilities of the priests involved would be the same as those of diocesan priests.  A new phase in the history of St. Casimir's Parish had begun.  The new pastor was Rev. Anthony Miciunas, MIC.  His assistant was Rev. Joseph Budzeika, MIC.  Return to top.

Rev. Anthony Miciunas, MIC

Rev. Anthony Miciunas, MIC was born on October 9, 1915 in the Brighton Park area of Chicago.  After graduating from high school in 1932, he entered Marianapolis Preparatory School, Thompson, CT.  In 1935, he began his studies at Marian Hills Seminary, Hinsdale, IL.  He was ordained a Marian Father on May 26, 1940.  From 1941-42, he studied philosophy and history at Canada's Laval University.  He received his Master's Degree from Marquette University where he studied philosophy and journalism.

Fr. Miciunas was editor of the religious publication, "Laivas," administrator of the Lithuanian daily newspaper "Draugas" published in Chicago by the Marian Fathers and pastor of St. Peter's Parish, Kenosha, Wisconsin.  From 1963-69, he lived and worked in Rome as a member of the Marian Fathers' Board of Directors.  In 1969, he returned to Chicago and served as vice-provincial.  In January 1972, he was appointed pastor of St. Casimir's Parish.

After only a few months in Worcester, he was elected to the Diocesan Priests' Senate.  He also obtained permission from Bishop Flanagan for the construction of a new rectory, which the parish desperately needed.  Ground was broken on November 26, 1972.  It was completed in 1974 and blessed by Bishop Flanagan on May 30.  An open house was held for the parishioners.

Curate Rev. Joseph Budzeika, MIC was transferred to St. Casimir's Parish and Rev. Benjamin Uzdavinis, MIC was assigned in 1975.

In 1977, Fr. Miciunas had an idea to build a monument to those who died for Lithuania's freedom.  He discussed it with Mr. Algirdas Zenkus, President of the Worcester chapter of the Lithuanian National Guard in Exile (Sauliai).  The "Sauliai" agreed with the idea and began to raise money for the project, which was approved by the parishioners.  The monument was erected in 1978 and blessed by Fr. Miciunas on November 26.  He was made an honorary member of the "Sauliai."  The monument stands in the church yard. 

On March 4, 1984, the Feast of St. Casimir, the parish commemorated the 500th anniversary of the death of St. Casimir with a parish dinner.  The commemoration of the Feast of St. Casimir continues to be an annual tradition, observed on the first Sunday of March at Maironis Park, Shrewsbury.  It provides an opportunity for parishioners to socialize with one another, as well as to raise funds.

Another popular fundraiser was the parish picnic held for many years on the second Sunday in September at Point Rok Park, owned by parishioners John and Rita Rainikis.  The picnic were no longer held after Point Rok was sold to developers.  To raise funds for the maintenance of the church, school and convent, Bingo games were begun.  They were held once a week in the church hall.

On November 25, 1984, St. Casimir's Parish celebrated its 90th anniversary and St. Casimir's School its 60th anniversary.

Fr. B. Uzdavinis, MIC was transferred from St. Casimir's Parish in 1984.  No one was assigned to replace him.

On November 17, 1985, the parish council organized a dinner at Maironis Park to celebrate the 45th anniversary of Fr. Miciunas' priesthood and his 70th birthday.

The number of students at St. Casimir's School had declined.  The school was closed on January 29, 1986.  It was a sad time for the parishioners.  Due to low attendance at the 7:00am Lithuanian Sunday Mass, it was discontinued from the Mass schedule on January 1, 1987.

After 15 years as a pastor, Fr. Miciunas, MIC was transferred in the fall of 1987.  The parish council organized a farewell dinner for him on Sept. 6 at Maironis Park.  More than 400 people attended.  Mr. Anthony Miner thanked Fr. Miciunas for all of his service to St. Casimir's Parish.  City Council member Thomas Early presented him with a key to the city.  It was the third such key that Fr. Miciunas had received.  State Representative William Glodis presented Father with a certificate from the House of Representatives.

Fr. Miciunas presented Bishops Flanagan and Harrington with medals commemorating the 600th anniversary of Christianity in Lithuania.  In his speech, Father asked to be forgiven for his mistakes, wished everyone well, and promised to remember them in his prayers.  He asked everyone to pray for him.  He was transferred to Kenosha, Wisconsin.  Return to top.

Rev. Vincent Parulis, MIC

Rev. Vincent Parulis, MIC was born in Worcester on October 8, 1914.  He attended public and parochial elementary schools.  After attending Saint John's High School, he entered Marian Hills College of Hinsdale, Illinois.  Later, he attended Marianapolis College in Thompson, CT.  After he completed two years of college, he entered Marian Hills Seminary in 1935.  Father Parulis was ordained to the priesthood on August 13, 1944 by Archbishop Samuel Stritch of Chicago.  His first appointment was at St. George's Parish in Chicago.

In 1945, he studied music at DePaul University and taught music and Gregorian Chant at Marian Hills Seminary.  Later, because of the shortage of personnel at the Press Center run by the Marian Fathers, he was appointed Business Manager and Editor of "Laivas" and "The Marian" magazines.

After several years, the Marian Fathers' West Side monastery became too small to handle the publishing of the daily newspaper, "Draugas" and other weekly and monthly magazines.  Plans for a new monastery and Catholic Press Center were made, and Fr. Parulis was appointed as the Executive Treasurer of the building fund for a new monastery and publishing house at the approximate cost of about $1 million.  Construction was completed in 1956 in Chicago.

In 1957, Fr. Parulis was appointed pastor of St. George's Parish in Niagara Falls, NY.  He was also a member of the Planning Board of the City of Niagara Falls and chaplain of the city's fire department.

In 1967, he was appointed pastor of St. Mary's Parish, Plano, Illinois and St. Patick's Parish, Bristol, Illinois.  On June 22, 1969, he celebrated his Silver Jubilee at St. Mary's Parish.  He was then transferred to Marianapolis in Thompson as Superior.

In 1987, Fr. Parulis returned to the parish of his birth, St. Casimir's, to serve as pastor.  Rev. John Petrauskas, MIC was appointed as assistant.

On October 7, 1990, the parish council organized a dinner at Maironis Park to honor Fr. Parulis' 46th anniversary in the priesthood and his 76th birthday.

Fr. Parulis found St. Casimir's Parish in a good financial state, but the church hall was in need of renovation.  Anthony Miner was named liaison with Bishop Harrington.  After many attempts to receive permission for the hall renovation, it was finally granted.

Work was begun in January 1991 but ran into unexpected difficulties.  The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection required that the oil contaminated soil found under the hall and in the parish yard be removed.  It cost $140,000.  State requirements also called for the installation of an elevator for the elderly and handicapped.  This was an unforeseen expense not included in the original renovation plans.  The church, especially the steeples and the roof, also needed repairs.  Parish funds were exhausted and the bishop stopped the work from continuing until the necessary amount of $300,000 was collected.  By December 31, 1993, $111,188 had been spent on church repairs.  A balance of $236,894.72 remained in St. Casimir's Church account.

An additional $13,763 was spent on repairs in January 1994, however $263,000 was still needed to complete the hall renovations.  The parish council kindly urged all parishioners to donate to the building fund so that work could be completed by the centennial.  Return to top.

Fr. Nockunas, MIC arrived at St. Casimir's Parish in 1994.  Rev. Anthony Nockunas, MIC was born in Lithuania but fled to Germany in 1944 when the Soviet army reoccupied Lithuania.  He arrived in the U.S. in 1948 and entered the Marian Seminary in Hinsdale, IL in 1949.  He was sent to study in Rome in 1954.  He was ordained there in 1957, and remained for three more years of studies.  In 1960, he was assigned to teach French and Latin at Marianapolis Preparatory School.  He was transferred to Chicago in 1963 where he served as Secretary of the Province and performed various duties at "Draugas" for 12 years.  In 1975, he began parish work.  Return to top.

The Centennial Celebration

St. Casimir's Lithuanian Parish celebrated its centennial on Sunday, November 20, 1994.  The liturgical celebration began with a procession which included bishops, priests, candle bearers, lectors and banner bearers.

Mass began at 10:00am, Bishop Timothy Harrington was principal celebrant.  Bishop Paulius Baltakus, OFM, Bishop for Lithuanians outside Lithuania was homilist.  He spoke in English and Lithuanian, emphasizing the importance of maintaining one's heritage.  Rev. Vincent Parulis, MIC and Very Rev. Donald Petraitis, MIC were principal concelebrants.  Concelebrants were: Rev. Albert Abracinskas, Msgr. Vytautas Balciunas, Rev. Placidas Barius, OFM, Rev. Henry Donoghue, Rev. Rafaelis Sakalys, OFM, and Rev. Albin Yankauskas.  Former Bishop of Worcester Bernard Flanagan presided at Mass.

Written greetings from the following were read: President of the United States of America Bill Clinton, Governor of Massachusetts William F. Weld, Lithuanian Ambassador Alfonsas Eidintas, the Sisters of St. Casimir from Chicago, Bishop of Worcester, Bishop Timothy Harrington, Auxiliary Bishop of Worcester, George Rueger and retired Bishop of Worcester, Bernard Flanagan.  Return to top.

Our Parish Today

Through the years, our parish has continued to celebrate its ethnic customs and family traditions.  Today, we are a parish of approximately 360 families.  We are a small parish, but we are still very active.  Although our school building is no longer used in support of our parochial school, it is still a functioning facility that presently serves the Worcester Alternative School.  Rev. Richard A. Jakubauskas came to our parish several years ago from St. Cecilia's Parish of Leominster.  He has been a tremendously gentle, compassionate, and spiritual pastor.  Return to top.

With Hope toward the Future

The independence of Lithuania demonstrates that prayer makes all things possible.  Jesus said, "Ask and you shall receive; seek and you should find; knock and it shall be opened to you.  For whoever seeks, find; whoever knocks is admitted" Luke 11:9-10.

In this, our 114th year, as we thank God for all of the blessings He has bestowed on our parish, let us pray for vocations to the priesthood so that our parish can endure.  Let us pray to St. Casimir, patron saint of our parish and of youth, to aid us in encouraging young families to join our parish so that the dream of St. Casimir's Lithuanian Parish, which became a reality through the persistence and dedication of its founders, will not die.  May Lithuanian hymns continue to ring out joyously in St. Casimir's Lithuanian Church for hundreds of years to come!  Return to top.

English Historical Composition by

Bernadeta Miliauskaite-Harris

A Centennial of Service for God & Country