August 27, 2025

400 years ago, a brave soul named Fr. Andrius Rudamina made history. This Lithuanian Jesuit priest traveled over 5,000 miles to India in 1625 to preach the Gospel. To mark this amazing journey, Pope Leo XIV sent a special telegram to the Archdiocese of Goa and Daman. The message, signed by Cardinal Secretary of State Pietro Parolin, was shared at the Se Cathedral in Old Goa during the celebration. The Pope expressed his joy and gratitude for Fr. Rudamina’s missionary courage, saying his “solid Catholic faith can still be seen in present-day Lithuania.” He prayed that this grand event would inspire many today "to respond with similar patience and ingenuity to the task of evangelization." Building on Fr. Rudamina’s legacy, the Pope encouraged the local churches to continue promoting dialogue among different religions and communities. He hopes this spirit will bring harmony, peace, and friendship to everyone. In his closing words, Pope Leo XIV gave his apostolic blessing to all celebrating this event, hoping it would be a source of joy and peace in the name of Jesus Christ. Let's rewind to 1625, when 29-year-old Fr. Rudamina set off with 11 Portuguese companions on a challenging 6,000-mile journey to India — making him the first Jesuit from Lithuania to reach the Indian subcontinent. He dedicated one year to mission work before falling ill with malaria. In 1626, he was moved to China and sadly passed away five years later. His homeland remembers him fondly; in 2015, Lithuania placed a memorial stone in his honor. This celebration is not just about history; it’s a vibrant reminder of courage, faith, and the power of spreading hope across the world!

Read More at News →

Tags: Pope leo xiv, Fr. andrius rudamina, Lithuanian jesuit, India 1625, Jesuit missionary, Vatican news,