Holy Mass in the Lithuanian language in the Dutch city of Heerlen brings the community together for All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day

On 31 October, a Holy Mass in the Lithuanian language was celebrated at St. Theresia Chapel, Putgraaf 1e, in Heerlen. The service was beautifully conducted by Father Vincentas Lizdenis, who travelled especially from the Vatican to celebrate the Mass with the Lithuanian community.

The occasion was particularly meaningful as it brought together two important dates in the Christian calendar: All Saints’ Day (Visų Šventųjų diena), dedicated to honouring all saints, and All Souls’ Day (Vėlinės), a day of remembrance and prayer for those who have passed away.

Both days hold a special place in Lithuanian culture and tradition. Across Lithuania, families visit cemeteries, light candles, lay flowers and gather to honour the memory of their loved ones.

During the Mass, the names of deceased members of the Lithuanian community were read aloud and prayers were offered in their memory. This deeply moving moment made the celebration particularly emotional and meaningful for those present.

The service brought together members of the Lithuanian community from across Limburg, as well as from Germany, Luxembourg and other parts of the Netherlands. Confession was also available before the Mass, offering an opportunity for personal reflection and spiritual preparation.

Following the service, the Lithuanian community was warmly welcomed by the honorary consul of Lithuania Mr. Aloys Bruggeman to a gathering at the Consulate of Lithuania in Heerlen. It was a wonderful opportunity to continue the afternoon in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere, reconnect with familiar faces and meet new members of the community.

This year’s gathering was particularly special, with attendance more than three times higher than at the first gathering, held approximately a year ago. Among those present were many children, including newborn babies. Participants described the gathering as a “wonderful, homely feeling” a true reminder of the warmth and togetherness of the Lithuanian community.

This was already the third Lithuanian-language Holy Mass celebrated in Heerlen, marking an encouraging continuation of a growing tradition in our region.

The first-ever Lithuanian Mass in the region took place on 29 November 2025, marking the First Sunday of Advent. It was followed by a second celebration on 2 May, dedicated to mothers in anticipation of Mother’s Day.

We would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to Dean Hans Bouman for making these celebrations possible and to Mišios Amsterdame for their excellent cooperation and continued efforts in bringing Lithuanian-language religious services to life.

Lithuanian Holy Masses are also regularly celebrated in Amsterdam.