About the Church
The Church of the Holy Name of Jesus at Daujėnai is not only a religious centre but also an architectural masterpiece, holding a fascinating history and heritage. Standing in the small town of Daujėnai, the church has stood for more than two centuries, and its masonry walls have witnessed many historical events.
The church's history begins at the end of the 17th century, when a wooden chapel was built in the Daujėnai cemetery. From 1750 priests from Krinčinas would come to hold services here. However, the present brick masonry church did not appear until the end of the 18th and start of the 19th century. Its construction began in 1794, under the direction of the parish priest of Krinčinas, Jonas Jeronimas Šarkevičius, and took until 1803 to complete.
Over its long existence the church underwent many changes. One significant moment was the second half of the 19th century, when, on the initiative of the parish priest Juozapas Kubilinskas, the church's wooden ceiling was replaced with masonry vaults, and in 1894 a wooden presbytery was built beside the church. A resident priest did not settle at Daujėnai until 1898, although official permission from the authorities for this was granted only five years later, in 1903.
One of the most important figures in the church's history was the parish priest Vincentas Baltrušaitis, who served from 1903 to 1942. During his time a great deal of work was carried out: parish farm buildings were built, the presbytery was enlarged, the church was repaired, and the cemetery was put in order.
The church has Baroque and Classicist features and is a rectangular building with small towers. Inside are three naves, separated by pillars, along with impressive vaults. A wooden bell tower also stands in the churchyard, adding to the harmony of the complex.
Right beside the church's churchyard is a special place — the Šventabala spring. Local people believe that the water of this spring has healing powers. Before the Second World War members of the Young Lithuanians organisation built a timber frame around the spring and tidied its surroundings, further emphasising its importance.
In addition, in the north-western corner of the churchyard grows an impressively large double-trunked lime tree, a state-protected tree. It is not only a natural wonder but also a cultural symbol, marked with an information board.
Every year the church at Daujėnai holds three main parish feasts: Pentecost, St Roch, and the Guardian Angels. These events draw large numbers of the faithful and tourists, who come to enjoy not only the religious atmosphere but also the wonderful architecture and natural beauty.
The church's history begins at the end of the 17th century, when a wooden chapel was built in the Daujėnai cemetery. From 1750 priests from Krinčinas would come to hold services here. However, the present brick masonry church did not appear until the end of the 18th and start of the 19th century. Its construction began in 1794, under the direction of the parish priest of Krinčinas, Jonas Jeronimas Šarkevičius, and took until 1803 to complete.
Over its long existence the church underwent many changes. One significant moment was the second half of the 19th century, when, on the initiative of the parish priest Juozapas Kubilinskas, the church's wooden ceiling was replaced with masonry vaults, and in 1894 a wooden presbytery was built beside the church. A resident priest did not settle at Daujėnai until 1898, although official permission from the authorities for this was granted only five years later, in 1903.
One of the most important figures in the church's history was the parish priest Vincentas Baltrušaitis, who served from 1903 to 1942. During his time a great deal of work was carried out: parish farm buildings were built, the presbytery was enlarged, the church was repaired, and the cemetery was put in order.
The church has Baroque and Classicist features and is a rectangular building with small towers. Inside are three naves, separated by pillars, along with impressive vaults. A wooden bell tower also stands in the churchyard, adding to the harmony of the complex.
Right beside the church's churchyard is a special place — the Šventabala spring. Local people believe that the water of this spring has healing powers. Before the Second World War members of the Young Lithuanians organisation built a timber frame around the spring and tidied its surroundings, further emphasising its importance.
In addition, in the north-western corner of the churchyard grows an impressively large double-trunked lime tree, a state-protected tree. It is not only a natural wonder but also a cultural symbol, marked with an information board.
Every year the church at Daujėnai holds three main parish feasts: Pentecost, St Roch, and the Guardian Angels. These events draw large numbers of the faithful and tourists, who come to enjoy not only the religious atmosphere but also the wonderful architecture and natural beauty.
Gallery and Resources
Archive captions are shown in Lithuanian.
Daujėnų Švč. Jėzaus Vardo bažnyčia.