JELGAVA, LATVIA — Sixteen people from the Diocese of Arlington representing St. Mark Parish in Vienna, St. John the Evangelist Parish in Warrenton, Blessed Sacrament Parish in Alexandria, and the Project Latvian Mission (established in 1991 in Great Falls) returned from Jelgava and Riga, Latvia, this summer with renewed energy and resolve in their support of a former pastor of parishes in the Diocese, now Bishop Antons Justs of Jelgava, Latvia. The focus of the trip was to be present for the dedication of the newly built diocesan center (pictured at right), the cost of which was partially funded by its many supporters of the Arlington Diocese, Arlington Bishop Paul S. Loverde, and the groups represented on the trip.

Through discernment and a strong push from the Archbishop of Latvia, Bishop Justs accepted the invitation to return to his native Latvia in 1991, his first visit since his exile as a young boy. He was asked to help rebuild and revive the seminary formation of priests that had been extinguished for so many years by the Communists.

He felt the call to help resurrect the faith and hope of the older people, whose spiritual lives had been left unnourished and unnurtured during those years; and to build a faith-filled community of believers in the young people of Latvia, his hope for the future of the Church. He was subsequently appointed rector of the seminary in Riga, and later chosen by Pope John Paul II to be the Bishop of the new Diocese of Jelgava.

Since the beginning of his vocation in Latvia, Bishop Justs has relied on the generosity of many supporters and members of the Diocese of Arlington to help him achieve the many goals he has set to bring the presence of the Catholic Church back to life in Latvia, and especially in his diocese. Among his most successful accomplishments, he has been able to send several seminarians to the U.S. to study in religious institutions of higher learning. Recently, Father Paul Klavins, a doctoral candidate in theology at Catholic University, has returned to assume the leadership of the seminary as rector in Riga, and to assist Bishop Justs in his work.

There is much that has been done in Latvia, but there is also much yet to be done. Decades of German and Soviet occupation have taken a toll on the country materially, socially and spiritually. Alcoholism is rampant and poses a major threat to the moral fiber of society. The children and the elderly especially suffer.

Bishop Justs has begun to address some of the critical needs of the young and the elderly through his work with a diocesan-run nursing home, Miera Nams, in Subate, and with financial assistance to the state run orphanage in Rauda. Abandoned children are left to fend for themselves on the streets with very few places for them to go and be safe and cared for. The deplorable conditions for the elderly and disabled (especially in the countryside which is becoming more and more deserted by younger people) present a problem of grave dimensions, as there is no one around to look after these folks. There is no work for the young people in the outlying, impoverished areas of the country. They flock to the cities and the elderly are abandoned as well.

Bishop Justs took several days away from his hectic schedule to serve as tour guide for the Arlington pilgrims. They traveled through Latvia by bus, visiting the facilities they and others back home have been diligently supporting since 1991. The trip fortified their resolve to continue their prayers and financial support and to make certain that those who were unable to go to Latvia would know what the needs are.

The first stop on the 19-hour tour was the nursing home in the remote and rural area of Subate, near the Lithuanian border, which is run by the Diocese of Jelgava. The needs of the home are innumerable. It was obvious to the visitors that the buildings were so old and in such a state of repair that the real solution would be to replace them. Even with the repairs that have been currently made by the Project Latvian Mission, and various parish support in the U.S., the home is not suitable living conditions, and more accurately, a real fire trap. Water comes in by bucket from an outside well, and poses problems of its own.

Central heating was recently installed under these dire conditions. The kitchen facilities are completely outmoded and barely functional. The lack of medical facilities poses another serious hardship for both the patients and the staff.

There are no doctors on call and there is no emergency plan or facilities within miles.

The visitors agreed that a long-range plan to completely overhaul or rebuild this facility was what was required to better serve the people. The general consensus was to build a new facility. However, the present home exists and needs to be updated so the residents can have a better and safer way of life, and the staff can be more productive with better systems to take care of the greatest needs.

Bishop Justs requested that the Project Latvian Mission concentrate its efforts upon a "building fund" to achieve this long-term goal. There are so many areas the mission could place its efforts and financial support, but the bishop feels this goal would serve the greatest long-term good. This also requires the greatest funding.

It was obvious to the visitors how important Bishop Justs is to these people. His loving attention to each one of the 38 residents made each of them feel special, as evidenced by their reactions as he visited their rooms and gave them his blessing.

The second leg of the trip was a visit to the state-run orphanage in Rauda, which houses at least 75 children. Most were abandoned because they were born physically challenged or mentally deficient, suffering from alcohol problems. Many of these children never have visitors despite having living parents and other family members.

These children must be released from the home at age 18, often with nowhere to go. Many are taught some skills they can apply in hope that they will be able to earn a living. Many more are put in state institutions for the rest of their lives because of their disabilities.

The home’s physical condition was good, and it was also obvious that the staff truly loved the children and did their best to offer them a decent life. Sadly, most likely the children will eventually be out on the streets.

The children presented a lovely program of music, poetry and dance for the visitors. After the program, the visitors and staff shared a luncheon prepared by them, and included a dessert prepared by the children.

Members of the Arlington Diocese have supported this orphanage for years with gifts of toys, clothing and drawing materials. However, when the director was asked what the current, most critical needs were, he suggested shoes and replacement of worn-out kitchen equipment, especially commercial-grade cooking kettles, which are extremely expensive. He said he could purchase shoes and cooking kettles from Germany, which would save tremendously on shipping costs.

Everywhere the pilgrims went with Bishop Justs, it was clear that he is truly connected to the people and resolved to give them both spiritual and material help and guidance. He appreciates all that the people of the Arlington Diocese do for him and his people. He is in constant need of sustained spiritual and financial support. He asks as well for sustained prayer, and that he will receive the strength and guidance from God and from the Holy Father to continue God's work in Latvia.

The pilgrims were able to see the tiny one-room abode where Bishop Justs lived the last several years until the opening of the diocesan center with its beautiful chapel, kitchen, meeting rooms and living and working quarters. It is symbolic, in a way, how much can come from so little. It was such an honor for the pilgrims from the Arlington Diocese to share in the dedication ceremony on July 15, 2002, with Bishop Justs, and to have celebrated Mass in the Cathedral in Jelgava with him.

Visiting Latvia and Bishop Justs gave the pilgrims a far greater understanding and resolve to continue helping his missionary efforts and to pass along to the rest of the diocese how important this work is for the greater glory of God.

The Latvian people were denied the privilege of publicly worshipping God for many years. They were not able to enter a church, read the Bible or pray and sing in community. Now their faith is refreshed. They thirst for the Lord. Their spirituality is simple and pure. Their devotion is genuine and unencumbered.

The Project Latvian Mission is a non-profit group. Anyone who wishes to support Bishop Justs’ work, or to be included in the mailing list should contact Donna Brown at 703/430-6427, Julie Maguire at 703/759-3965, or Claire Fountaine at St. Mark Parish in Vienna at 703/281-9100. Funds may be sent to: The Project Latvian Mission, 805 Polo Place, Great Falls, Va. 22066.