Home for Sisters

In 1995, Sisters of the Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary were given the Church of the Holy Cross (Bonifratre) and its surrounding buildings in Vilnius. While looking at the crumbling structures, Sister Igne Marijosius, would jokingly ask the passers-by to touch the walls in hope that they would collapse sparing the nuns the demolition fees. Today there is a chapel, the Holly Cross social assistance center and a Home for sisters - dormitory for girls standing in place of the old abandoned crumbling structures. 

In 2013, while remembering how the Home for sisters was rebuilt, Siste Igne wrote: "One day, my old friend Jurate Kazickas visited me in our home on Daukantas street in Vilnius. I told Jurate about the events we organized and showed her around: the rebuilt building of the Bonifratre Monastery, the Holy Cross social assistance center... We talked a bit and I mentioned that we'd like to rebuild an old delapidated ruins into a house for girls who came from the country to study in Vilnius. Jurate understood the meaning of the cause right away. The Kazickas Family donated $ 200,000 and covered 1/3 of the cost for the reconstruction of the house. From 2009 until today, each school year, in this dormitory, we are able to acoomodate 12 to 13 female students that come from other parts of Lithuania to study in Vilnius. This building is considered to be a part of the Vilnius cultural heritage."

The Holly Cross social assistance center offers various programs, such as after school day center "Children of the Old Town" for kids, active living program for seniors, center "the Light" for the homeless, free laundromat service for people in need and more. Struggling, isolated, lonesome, disabled, unemployed or any people in need can find free legal, psychological or spiritual consultations here.

Active Living Program for Seniors -

This progam, offered to the elderly, encourages them to meet for the various practical and engaging activities. They communicate, discuss the Bible, sing, go on various trips, study foreign languages and learn computer skills. Program encourages active living and elderly engagement in society, reduces social isolation and loneliness.

Day Center "Children of the Old Town" -

This program teaches kids social and behavioral life skills through Christian values, encourages respectful and caring relationships among the children, volunteers and educators. Children from different city neighborhoods and schools attend this program. Every child is special and is welcome any time.

Program "the Light" for the Homeless -

This program is offered to people struggling financially. During these meetings participants read the Bible, share their troubles and thoughts, grow spiritually. People heal through the relationship with God, who is extremely sensitivie to poor. Eating and connecting with others through food is a crucial element of this program. Also, in colaboration with "Caritas" and Vilnius shelters, center worked on a project coordinated and financed by European Union's Social Fund that helps homeless with integration into society and employment opportunities.

The Holly Cross center also invites various groups, such as anonymous alcoholics, youth anonymous alcoholics, Al-anon family groups, adult children of alcoholics, offers help for parents of addicts, women cancer survivors, domestic violence visctims, organizes prayer groups and more.

The Holy Cross assisstance center's mission sounds realy simple - to help people in need.