About the Church
The Renavas Church of St Isidore is a small but very cosy church of historical significance, situated in the little village of Renavas in Mažeikiai district. The building of the church and its history reflect the faith and devotion of the local community.
The first chapel on this site was built as early as 1726 in Gaureliai. Later, in 1763, a temporary church is mentioned in the inventory of Renavas manor, and in 1773, a new chapel. Over time the church was rebuilt several times: in 1780 a cruciform chapel arose on another site, and in 1808 an octagonal chapel. The registers of these chapels began to be kept from 1815.
The present masonry church began to be built in 1918 on a plot of land belonging to Juozas Mitkus, who actively took part in the building process. However, due to various obstacles, the construction was halted until 1929. A shortage of money forced the community to give up some of the exterior decorative elements planned in the design, as well as the church tower. Despite this, the church was completed in 1933, and on 12 June of that same year it was consecrated by the Bishop of Telšiai, Justinas Staugaitis.
The church has a rectangular plan, with a porch and a small tower. Opposite, on the other side of the road, stands the Renavas cemetery chapel, whose appearance adds to the atmosphere of the holy site.
Throughout its existence, the church has been not only a centre of religious life but also a place where the local community would gather. One of the most important events took place on 15 May 2005, when, in celebrating the titular feast of St Isidore, a portrait of Pope John Paul II was donated to the church by Izidorius Mitkus, grandson of Juozas Mitkus.
In 2013 the church was selected to take part in a project funded by European Union money, during which the surroundings of the church were improved. In later years various renewal works were also carried out, for example in 2017 a new metal fence was put up.
The Renavas Church of St Isidore is not only a site of historical value but also a living space for community activity, where various religious and cultural celebrations take place. It symbolises the strength, faith and unity of the people of the village of Renavas.
The first chapel on this site was built as early as 1726 in Gaureliai. Later, in 1763, a temporary church is mentioned in the inventory of Renavas manor, and in 1773, a new chapel. Over time the church was rebuilt several times: in 1780 a cruciform chapel arose on another site, and in 1808 an octagonal chapel. The registers of these chapels began to be kept from 1815.
The present masonry church began to be built in 1918 on a plot of land belonging to Juozas Mitkus, who actively took part in the building process. However, due to various obstacles, the construction was halted until 1929. A shortage of money forced the community to give up some of the exterior decorative elements planned in the design, as well as the church tower. Despite this, the church was completed in 1933, and on 12 June of that same year it was consecrated by the Bishop of Telšiai, Justinas Staugaitis.
The church has a rectangular plan, with a porch and a small tower. Opposite, on the other side of the road, stands the Renavas cemetery chapel, whose appearance adds to the atmosphere of the holy site.
Throughout its existence, the church has been not only a centre of religious life but also a place where the local community would gather. One of the most important events took place on 15 May 2005, when, in celebrating the titular feast of St Isidore, a portrait of Pope John Paul II was donated to the church by Izidorius Mitkus, grandson of Juozas Mitkus.
In 2013 the church was selected to take part in a project funded by European Union money, during which the surroundings of the church were improved. In later years various renewal works were also carried out, for example in 2017 a new metal fence was put up.
The Renavas Church of St Isidore is not only a site of historical value but also a living space for community activity, where various religious and cultural celebrations take place. It symbolises the strength, faith and unity of the people of the village of Renavas.
Gallery and Resources
Archive captions are shown in Lithuanian.
Negatyve įamžinta senoji Renavo Šv. Izidoriaus bažnyčia. Fotografuota bažnyčios ardymo metu.