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Feast Day: January 27
Birth: April 13, 1871
Death: January 27, 1927
Blessed Jurgis Matulaitis-Matulevicius, also known as George Matulaitis, Jerzy Matulevicz, Jorge Matulaitis, Jurgis Matulewicz, was born on 13 April 1871 in Lugine, Lithuania. He was the youngest of eight children in a poor farm family during a time when Lithuania was under the Tsarist Russia's control. Tragically, Jurgis became an orphan at the age of ten, facing a difficult and uncertain future.
Despite these challenging circumstances, Jurgis's unwavering devotion to his faith fueled his determination to pursue a religious vocation. In 1891, he entered the seminary in Poland and later continued his studies at the major seminary in Warsaw. He furthered his theological education in Saint Petersburg, Russia, and eventually earned a doctorate of theology at the University of Fribourg in Switzerland.
Throughout his journey towards priesthood, Jurgis found guidance and inspiration in the teachings of Blessed Honorat Kozminski, a spiritual mentor. On 20 November 1898, Jurgis was ordained a priest in the Congregation of Marian Fathers and began his life's work.
Father Jurgis dedicated himself to teaching Latin and canon law at the seminary in the diocese of Kielce, Poland. He ardently championed the cause of the working poor, working tirelessly to improve their living conditions. In 1907, he accepted the position of head of the Sociology section at the Saint Petersburg Academy, where he taught dogmatic theology. Soon after, he became the vice-rector of the Academy, earning a reputation as a renowned teacher, preacher, spiritual director, and confessor.
In 1910, Father Jurgis initiated significant reforms within the Marians of the Immaculate Conception, redefining their constitution, habits, vows, and overall way of life. This marked a pivotal moment in the Marians' revitalization, and Father Jurgis was appointed as the superior general of the Congregation on 14 July 1911.
Recognizing the need for female orders aligned with the Marian charism, Blessed Jurgis founded the Congregation of Sisters of the Immaculate Conception in 1918. He also established the Sisters Servants of Jesus in the Eucharist in Belarus and founded the Handmaids of Jesus in the Eucharist in 1919.
Due to his exceptional leadership skills and profound commitment to the Church, Father Jurgis was reluctantly appointed as the bishop of Vilnius, Lithuania, on 23 October 1918. Vilnius was a city torn apart by warring factions during the chaos of the First World War. Throughout this challenging period, Bishop Jurgis fearlessly defended the Church's rights and the freedom of the citizens.
After a grueling tenure as a bishop, Jurgis retired from his see on 14 July 1925. However, his dedication to his pastoral duties continued as he was made a titular archbishop and Apostolic Visitator to Lithuania on 1 September 1925. During this time, he played a vital role in restoring diplomatic relations with the Lithuanian government, completing a concordant requested by the Vatican just before his passing.
On 27 January 1927, Blessed Jurgis Matulaitis-Matulevicius tragically succumbed to appendicitis in Kaunas, Lithuania. His exemplary life of holiness, humility, and unwavering commitment to serving God and his people earned him veneration. Pope John Paul II recognized his heroic virtues on 11 May 1982, leading to his beatification on 28 June 1987. Today, Blessed Jurgis Matulaitis-Matulevicius stands as a shining example of faith, courage, and selfless dedication to the service of others.