About the Church
The St Ignatius Chapel in Pričiūnai is a unique and ancient shrine, located in Vilnius District, in the village of Pričiūnai, in the Buivydžiai eldership. This chapel, built in 1837 of plastered masonry, has for more than a century and a half been an important part of the local community's religious life.
The chapel's construction was funded by Antoni Łazariewicz. Although the building underwent various changes over time, during the Revival (Atgimimas) years it was renovated, restoring its original beauty and strength. Today the chapel delights visitors not only with its external aesthetics but also its well-kept surroundings and infrastructure: the road leading to it has been reconstructed and resurfaced with new asphalt.
One of the most interesting moments in the chapel's history was the visit of the Polish archbishop Henryk Gulbinowicz in 1990. His visit and the Mass he celebrated gave new meaning and significance to this place.
The St Ignatius parish feast (atlaidai), held every year in July and August, is an important event not only for the faithful of Buivydžiai parish but also for people from across the Vilnius region. The feast draws large crowds of pilgrims, among whom representatives of the authorities and members of the Seimas often appear. Traditionally, during this feast the parish priest blesses parishioners' cars, marking the feast day of St Christopher, patron of drivers.
The St Ignatius Chapel is also closely linked to the stigmatic nun Wanda Boniszewska of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Angels, who lived here from 1933 until her arrest in 1950. In her memory a pilgrimage walk called "In the Footsteps of Sister Wanda Boniszewska" is held every year, lasting about four hours and ending with a service in the chapel.
The St Ignatius Chapel in Pričiūnai is not only a monument of historic architecture but also a living centre of religious tradition, uniting the community and spreading the light of spirituality across the Vilnius region.
The chapel's construction was funded by Antoni Łazariewicz. Although the building underwent various changes over time, during the Revival (Atgimimas) years it was renovated, restoring its original beauty and strength. Today the chapel delights visitors not only with its external aesthetics but also its well-kept surroundings and infrastructure: the road leading to it has been reconstructed and resurfaced with new asphalt.
One of the most interesting moments in the chapel's history was the visit of the Polish archbishop Henryk Gulbinowicz in 1990. His visit and the Mass he celebrated gave new meaning and significance to this place.
The St Ignatius parish feast (atlaidai), held every year in July and August, is an important event not only for the faithful of Buivydžiai parish but also for people from across the Vilnius region. The feast draws large crowds of pilgrims, among whom representatives of the authorities and members of the Seimas often appear. Traditionally, during this feast the parish priest blesses parishioners' cars, marking the feast day of St Christopher, patron of drivers.
The St Ignatius Chapel is also closely linked to the stigmatic nun Wanda Boniszewska of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Angels, who lived here from 1933 until her arrest in 1950. In her memory a pilgrimage walk called "In the Footsteps of Sister Wanda Boniszewska" is held every year, lasting about four hours and ending with a service in the chapel.
The St Ignatius Chapel in Pričiūnai is not only a monument of historic architecture but also a living centre of religious tradition, uniting the community and spreading the light of spirituality across the Vilnius region.