“Lithuania’s Greatest Treasure” Shrine at Elizabeth, New Jersey Is Richly Ornamented with Artwork and Wood Carvings
The Lithuanian people of Sts. Peter and Paul’s Parish in Elizabeth, New Jersey are deeply proud of the shrine they have in honor of Our Lady of Siluva. The shrine was built under the direction of their Pastor, Rev. Michael G. Kemezis, who had a profound devotion to the Mother of God. The shrine is richly ornamented with Lithuanian artwork and woodcarvings. There is a painting depicting the apparition and a relic of the original stone on which Our Lady stood. The shrine was solemnly blessed by the Archbishop of Newark, The Most Reverend Thomas A. Boland, S.T.D., on June 29, 1958 when Father Kemezis celebrated the Silver Jubilee of his ordination to the priesthood.
A Prayer to Our Lady of Siluva
O Most Holy Virgin Mary, Thou who didst appear to the shepherds in the fields at Siluva, Thou whose tears did bathe the rock where once an altar stood, Thou who didst with plaintive voice say: “You plow and seed here where formerly my Son was honored,” grant that we, moved by Thy tears, may, once as our Forefathers did, revive the spirit of adoration of Thy Son in our fallow hearts, strengthen the tottering structure of the shrine which is the family, and seek forgiveness for our negligence and sins.
O Mother of God, we desire to raise up the glory of Your revelation from forgotten ruins, that we may all the more honor Thee, the Patroness of Lithuania, and with Thy help obtain for us the spirit of a living Faith. Through Christ our Lord. Amen.
Main link to Our Lady of Siluva www.ourladyofsiluva.com