Juozas Matulaitis, the bishop emeritus of the Kaišiadorys Diocese who spent decades guiding his community through profound social and political shifts, died on Sunday, November 8, at the age of 90, tv3.lt reported.
The Kaišiadorys Christ’s Transfiguration Parish announced that the bishop passed away following a severe illness, Lrytas reported.
Kaišiadorys District Šarūnas Čėsna shared the news on social media, writing that the bishop radiated sincerity, simplicity, and human warmth. “It is sad to say goodbye to a man who radiated sincerity, simplicity, and human warmth. He knew how to listen, understand, and give a kind word and attention to everyone he met,” Čėsna wrote, as reported by tv3.lt and Lrytas.
Seimas Speaker Juozas Olekas offered public condolences over the loss, highlighting the late cleric’s enduring impact on the region. “Bishop Juozas Matulaitis’s long-standing service, care for people, and testimony of faith left a bright mark on the life of the Kaišiadorys Diocese and all of Lithuania,” Olekas said, according to tv3.lt.
Olekas added wishes of strength to the community during the mourning period. “I sincerely sympathize with his relatives, the clergy of the Kaišiadorys Diocese, and the entire Lithuanian community of believers. May faith and the memory of the bishop become a source of comfort and strength in this hour of loss,” he stated, as noted by tv3.lt.
Public farewells begin Monday, November 9, at 2 p.m., when the bishop’s remains will lie in state at the Kaišiadorys Cathedral, Lrytas reported. Visitors may pay their respects until 8 p.m., with Holy Mass and the Rosary scheduled for 6 p.m.
Viewing continues Tuesday, November 10, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., accompanied by evening services at 6 p.m., according to Lrytas.
Funeral services will take place Wednesday, November 11, at 12 p.m. at the Kaišiadorys Cathedral, Lrytas reported. Following the Mass, his remains will be interred in the cathedral crypt within the diocesan bishops’ burial ground.
