A new chapter is beginning for CANA in Lithuania. In the heart of Vilnius’s historic center, within the historic walls of a former convent, the CANA mission in Lithuania has reached a turning point.
The purpose of my trip was to accompany the launch of the CANA mission in Lithuania and to be present, as a representative of CANA International and the Chemin Neuf Community, during the transition of leadership. I sought to support the induction of the new leaders, Giedre and Mindaugas, and to bid farewell to the outgoing leaders Jone and Gintars in a respectful and appreciative manner.
The meeting took place in an old convent in the historic center of Vilnius.
In Lithuania, CANA is legally registered as an association and must comply with tax and government regulations governing associations. The current leadership must be relieved of their duties, and a new leadership must be elected by all members in a formal election. This took place in the morning without me present and in the presence of all the “old” couples who had been there previously. Afterward, about 10 “new couples” from the previous CANA week joined the meeting. In total, there were about 50 of us.
Because there is no community in Lithuania and the transition was imminent, the CANA year had not yet been introduced. This is now planned for the coming year. Thus, the kickoff day took place with the “classic” seven points of commitment, which I introduced. In doing so, I made a point of emphasizing the similarities with the four dimensions and explaining the meaning and essence of CANA in this way. Testimonies from individual couples regarding the points of commitment accompanied this presentation.
During a brief ceremony that followed, I thanked Jone and Gintaras for their dedication and welcomed the new leaders with their letter of appointment from CANA International.
Afterward, a Mass was held in a nearby church, during which the CANA couples made their commitments.
I was a guest of Giedre and Mindaugas. I had time to talk privately with them about the next important steps and key issues for CANA in Lithuania. We used our time together to discuss the next year.
Jone and Gintaras led CANA for a long time, and during that time, CANA in Lithuania has both changed and become more stable. But the time has also come for a fresh start. A fresh start with very experienced and well-respected leaders will bring a breath of fresh air. A renewal of CANA in Lithuania is beginning in a peaceful way. You always meet twice in life—Lithuania is small, CANA is big, and God is greater. Halleluja !
