George Matulaitis Journal

arrives in New York June 7 and goes on to Chicago to attend the Eucharistic Congress. Remains in the USA until September 1, vis- iting 92 immigrant parishes. Stops in London on the way home. Upon returning to Kaunas, begins working on the preliminary draft of the Lithuanian Concordat with Rome by which normal diplo- matic relations would be established. 1927 In January falls ill with acute appendicitis; taken to Hagenthorn’s clinic in Kaunas, dies after an operation on January 27. Funeral held on January 29 in the Kaunas cathedral with all the Lithuanian bish- ops present as well as Msgr. Faidutti, the Vatican delegate. The body is interred in the cathedral crypt. 1934 Matulaitis’ remains are transferred to the Church of St. Michael in Marijampole, where a granite sarcophagus is erected. 1953 Beatification process begun by the Marians in Rome; postulator is Fr. Casimir Reklaitis. Upon his death, Fr. Joseph Vai nora contin- ues the work to its completion. 1987 Matulaitis declared Blessed by Pope John Paul II in Rome on June 28 on the occasion of the 600th anniversary of Christianity in Lithuania. 28