About the Church
Kulautuva Holy Name of Mary Church is one of the most inspiring and historic places in Kulautuva. Its history, full of both joys and tragedies, beautifully reflects the spirit of Lithuanian spirituality and community.
The church's roots go back to 1930, when the Sisters of Labour settled here and founded a private chapel. It became public in 1932, and in 1940 it was enlarged and given the status of the Holy Name of Mary. These were times when Lithuania was subjected to various political upheavals, but faith and the strength of the community allowed the shrine to survive them.
Unfortunately, on 4 October 2012 a fire terribly devastated the church, destroying unique wooden carvings and half the roof. Despite this tragic event, the community did not weaken: a temporary shrine was set up on Poilsio Street, and everyone joined forces to rebuild the main church.
Five years after the fire, in 2017, design work began on the new Kulautuva Holy Name of Mary Church. The architect Darius Jakubauskas produced a design that was modern yet respectful of tradition. The new church was built on the site of the old church's foundations and was solemnly opened on 13 June 2021.
The new church is not only architecturally impressive but also functionally well suited. Its cross-shaped plan and hexagonal main nave with excellent acoustics create a special spiritual atmosphere. The church's interior is decorated with natural wood, and the floor with strips of scorched and polished stone. The light tower, shaped like a crown, symbolises the Crowning of the Blessed Virgin Mary, further reinforcing the significance of the parish's title.
A bell tower still survives in the churchyard, blending beautifully with the architecture of the new church. Two important Kulautuva parish priests also rest here: Juozapas Frainas and Gustavas Gudanavičius, who devoted their lives to serving God and the community.
Kulautuva Holy Name of Mary Church is not only a house of prayer but also a living historical monument, recalling the power of faith and the unity of the community.
The church's roots go back to 1930, when the Sisters of Labour settled here and founded a private chapel. It became public in 1932, and in 1940 it was enlarged and given the status of the Holy Name of Mary. These were times when Lithuania was subjected to various political upheavals, but faith and the strength of the community allowed the shrine to survive them.
Unfortunately, on 4 October 2012 a fire terribly devastated the church, destroying unique wooden carvings and half the roof. Despite this tragic event, the community did not weaken: a temporary shrine was set up on Poilsio Street, and everyone joined forces to rebuild the main church.
Five years after the fire, in 2017, design work began on the new Kulautuva Holy Name of Mary Church. The architect Darius Jakubauskas produced a design that was modern yet respectful of tradition. The new church was built on the site of the old church's foundations and was solemnly opened on 13 June 2021.
The new church is not only architecturally impressive but also functionally well suited. Its cross-shaped plan and hexagonal main nave with excellent acoustics create a special spiritual atmosphere. The church's interior is decorated with natural wood, and the floor with strips of scorched and polished stone. The light tower, shaped like a crown, symbolises the Crowning of the Blessed Virgin Mary, further reinforcing the significance of the parish's title.
A bell tower still survives in the churchyard, blending beautifully with the architecture of the new church. Two important Kulautuva parish priests also rest here: Juozapas Frainas and Gustavas Gudanavičius, who devoted their lives to serving God and the community.
Kulautuva Holy Name of Mary Church is not only a house of prayer but also a living historical monument, recalling the power of faith and the unity of the community.