George Matulaitis Journal

276 They have already begun to distribute the flour sent by the Americans, and the Jews are getting some as well. Perhaps, with the help of God, these disturbances will cease. 1) The Chapter also thought that I need not write a pastoral letter concerning the Jews. They ought to appeal to the military authorities. 2) Mr. Jamont, the commissar, had written to me about the matter of the Catholic churches that had been turned over to the Orthodox. He requested that the priests not reclaim the churches on their own, but apply to the authorities. We decided to send a copy of this letter to the priests so that they could relay the necessary information to the chancery with the appropriate petitions. Then the chancery could negotiate with the civil authorities. 3) I spoke of the possibility of visiting the diocese this year. I had already consulted the priests, and the Chapter was also of the opinion that it would hardly be possible to do the visiting in the diocese properly. However, as soon as the harvest is in, it will be possible to visit the area around Bia = ystok, as well as the Bielski deanery. 1 4) We talked about whether it would be worthwhile for me to go to Warsaw to see His Excellency Monsignor Ratti, the Apostolic visitator. Everyone agreed that it was necessary. Since Vilnius is no longer threatened, I can go to Warsaw. 5) We agreed that there is no sense in resuming classes at the seminary. The food has not been delivered and it is uncertain when we will be able to get any. It will be difficult for the seminarians to get here, and they would not make much headway in their work. It would be better to begin soon after summer vacation. We also made decisions on some minor questions. May 10 At four o’clock in the afternoon I attended a meeting of the Children of Mary. They presented their annual financial report and had elections. I gave a short talk. 1 In 1919, these places were in the southeastern part of the diocese of Vilnius, but now are within the boundaries of Poland.