George Matulaitis Journal

listened to the Lithuanian Council and done what they were pressing me to do? Perhaps I would have had to pack my bags and leave Vilnius for Kaunas together with the members of the Council or even go to Tilsit. 5) I would be willing to participate in the festivities only if the Poles and Belorussians also consent to do so. Then I told them that since I did not want to take sole responsibility, I would invite the Lithuanian priests and confer with them about what is to be done. I promised to give them an answer in the evening. At three o’clock in the afternoon I convened the Lithuanian priests and explained the matter to them. We agreed not to decide anything definitely but to wait and see how things turn out. Naturally, they all agreed that the Church cannot turn people away. If the Lithuanians wish it, we will have to hold a service for them. But if they want to turn a sacred celebration into a political tool, then it is clear that it would be inappropriate for the bishop to participate. Besides, I had also put the following question to these representatives: “What would you have me do and what order of ceremonies would you suggest for me if the Polish Legionnaires should take Vilnius first?” They answered that such a thing was impossible. I also asked the Lithuanian priests not to involve me in politics and to protect me against those who want to do so; I should be allowed to go on with my pastoral work. That is enough work for me; I am capable and able to manage it all. My God, my God! How difficult is the bishop’s position here! Everyone is pushing and pulling him every which way. Both the Poles and the Lithuanians want to harness him to their own political bandwagon. Both are trying to drag him down into this political morass. O God, help me to stay clear of this quicksand. I received word that the Lithuanians agree to make final arrangements for the celebration only after Vilnius has been taken. March 16 I had instructed the rector of the seminary to send me seventh-year seminarians one by one to serve my Mass. I wanted to get to know them better and to learn more about the situation at the seminary. 224