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The set of three Lithuanian Shrines embrace
much of the spiritual culture of that nation, many of whom
arrived in Lanarkshire as prisoners of the Crimean war, and
later as displaced persons. We find St Casimir, Mary, the
mother of Mercy, and the wooden Crucifix. Mary, the Mother
of Mercy was rebuilt in 1988 to commemorate the Marian Year.
The engraving is based on an ancient painting at the Gate
of Dawn in Vilnius, the picture was said to have miraculous
powers.
The Crucifix,
erected in 1984/5 commemorates Mgr Gatauskus, a chaplain to
the Lithuanian Community for some years. It has been carved
from an oak to be found in Lithuania by a Lithuanian craftsman.
The style is similar to that of a traditional way-side shrine.
St Casimir,
died at the age of 25 in 1484. He was canonised in 1602 and
declared patron Saint of Lithuania, much later he was pronounced
special patron of youth. The shrine was erected in 1989 in
honour of Lithuania regaining its independence.
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