Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
As we begin a new liturgical year and continue our journey along the synodal path, we look forward to an extraordinary celebration. In June 2026, Vilnius will host the World Apostolic Congress on Mercy – a gathering that will encourage us to become witnesses of mercy. Therefore, beginning today, I invite the entire Archdiocese to embark on a shared pilgrimage – to build a City of Mercy. This is not merely a beautiful metaphor or slogan. It is our calling – to witness to God’s mercy through our lives, relationships, and communities in such a way that mercy becomes the face of our city, our country, and of each one of us.
What is the City of Mercy?
St. Augustine wrote of the “City of God” – a community of people who live according to God’s will and journey together towards eternal life. We, the people of today’s Vilnius, of our archdiocese, and of all Lithuania, are called to become builders of such a city. This city is not built of stone or brick, but of trust, forgiveness, compassion, fidelity, and love.
The City of Mercy begins in each of our hearts: how we treat our neighbour, how we speak, how we pray, and how we forgive. Jesus revealed to St. Faustina that we can show mercy in three ways – by deeds, by words, and by prayer. These are the three cornerstones upon which we lay the foundations of this city.
How does this change the way we relate to one another?
In the City of Mercy, we are called to meet one another not with suspicion or indifference, but with warmth. We learn to see each person not through the lens of their faults or sins, but as God’s beloved creation. This means learning to say “I’m sorry” more often in our families, to cooperate more readily in our workplaces, and to help the person in need we encounter on the street rather than passing by.
As this spirit deepens, our archdiocese becomes not merely an organization or a geographical territory, but a true community – people who know one another and care for one another.
How does this transform parish and community life?
Parishes are like the neighbourhoods of this city. If each parish becomes an oasis of mercy – a place of welcome, hospitality, and sharing – then the whole city will shine with the light of Christ. Every Caritas initiative, every youth group, every choir member, every prayer circle is a brick in the walls of this city.
When I build the City of Mercy, I no longer see the parish only as the place where I attend Sunday Mass. It becomes a family in which I am welcomed, needed, and responsible for others.
How does this shape the face of the archdiocese and of society?
Vilnius has received a unique mission: God chose this city as the place where the first image of the Merciful Jesus was painted. God desires that from our city the message of Divine Mercy might radiate to the entire world. But it will speak convincingly only if it is visible in our own lives.
The City of Mercy is a society in which we strive to overcome exclusion, care for the most vulnerable, and foster a culture in which even people of differing views know how to listen to and respect one another. It is city known not only for its history or architecture, but as a living testimony that people here live differently because they have encountered God’s mercy.
The path toward the Congress
The World Apostolic Congress on Mercy is more than a major event. It is a journey that begins now. Every effort we make to love, forgive, help others, and pray for them is a brick we place in building the City of Mercy. I invite every family, parish, and community to reflect on what “bricks” you might use to build the walls of this city.
Dear brothers and sisters, we are all called to become builders of the City of Mercy. God Himself is the architect of this city, and we are His co-workers. When pilgrims from around the world arrive in June 2026, may they find not only the streets of Vilnius open to them, but a City of Mercy already taking shape in our hearts.
May the Lord’s blessing accompany you.
✠ Gintaras Grušas
Metropolitan Archbishop of Vilnius