Bishop Vincentas Borisevičius: The Path of A New Age Martyr

Abstract

The twentieth century brought many difficult trials to Europe. Lithuania was devastated by two world wars and long and difficult periods of occupation. The Catholic Church was persecuted by both the Nazis and the Soviets. The clergy suffered much. One of the first martyrs during the Soviet occupation was the Bishop of Telšiai, Vincentas Borisevičius. Although there are not many written sources and testimonies about him, we can get a good idea that he grew up in a moral and faithful environment and matured for the priesthood. Borisevičius was entrusted with the duties of the rector of the seminary, later became an assistant to the Bishop of Telšiai, and finally an Ordinary. Bishop Borisevičius demonstrated his heroic virtues during the Second World War by rescuing Jews, by remaining faithful to his flock, and by not cooperating with the occupying powerʼs security structures or betraying innocent people. This is what brought the moment of his arrest and suffering closest. Although murdered, the bishop remained an apostolic example for the Christians of the new times. Because of his virtues and martyrdom, the Church has opened the case for the beatification of Bishop Vincent Borisevičius.