A Cenotaph

 

This is a cenotaph, known as the hill of crosses, in Jurgaičiai, Lithuania. It started in Medeival times to mark a grave with no body. Probably during some battle with the Russians, someone placed a cross on the hill to remember someone.  Others copied.  For certain, since 1831, people have come specifically to this hill to place cross and remember.

The Soviets have bulldozed all the crosses more than a few times.  But the crosses keep coming back.  Finally, the Soviets gave up. 

Our Lady of Siluva

Yes, this is the President-Elect praying at the altar with an image of Our Lady of Siluva.  I found this today in an article in National Catholic Reporter, "How Joe Biden's Catholic Roots Have Shaped His Public Life."

The image of Our Lady of Siluva jumped out at me.  Our Lady of Siluva is Our Lady of Lithuania, you know.  I love her.  Being 64% Lithuanian, I am proud to claim her.  So it was a blessing for me to see her.  

Faith is an Invincible Weapon

Because my mother was a first generation Lithuanian, living in the USA, she tried very hard to be American.  She never taught us children Lithuanian.  In fact, she never taught us anything Lithuanian.  I don't know whether it was a conscious decision, or it just happened.  The result is that I am completely clueless about my Lithuanian heritage.  So when I hear or see anything Lithuanian, I pay attention.

This past weekend at Our Lady of the Holy Spirit Center, in Ohio, I came across this cross.

There was an explanation that said that this cross was inspired by the Hill of Crosses in Siauliai, Lithuania.  This morning, I googled "Hill of Crosses."  I am very impressed.

The Soviets couldn't get rid of it.  You can't kill Faith.