George Matulaitis Journal

uncertain. I knew that not only the priests, but even the common people disliked Górski. I was obliged to send Chancellor Chalecki 1 with documents to show the Polish government officials (Mr. Piwocki) why Górski could no longer be dean. Now General Mokrzecki once again raised the issue of Fathers Górski and Abaravi ius. He began by stating that the people demand that Father Górski be Dean of Asmena. I answered: “I cannot understand why the parishioners should be concerned about who is dean. That concerns only me and the priests: deans are appointed to supervise and direct priests. Why are the people interfering in this issue? Perhaps they are being incited to do so?” Once more I had to explain why I was forced to remove Górski from the position of dean. The General criticized Father Abaravi ius for his Lithuanian orientation. 2 I replied that I was not interested in the political or national views of the clergy. I had sent Father Abaravi ius to Asmena not to engage in politics, but to provide for the spiritual needs of the people. I happen to know that he is not involved in any political activities there, nor have I had any complaints about him from the people. After all, it is a Belorussian parish. Finally, General Mokrzecki reproached me for becoming involved in politics. “When and where?” I asked him. “The Belorussian paper Nasza Dumka 3 reported that you participated in an evening program held at the Lithuanian high school on February 16th commemorating Lithuanian independence. You even applauded a speech by Father Stankevich 4 in which he declared that Vilnius ought to be returned to the Lithuanians,” said the General. “Very well,” I answered him, “but when I also took part in the celebration to honor the formation of the Lithuanian- Belorussian Division of the Polish Army, and when I participated in all the Polish national festivities, that was fine. I was present with you at the 297 1 Lucjan Chalecki (1873-1964): had been appointed chancellor by Bishop Matulaitis most likely in 1920 and remained in that position until 1925. He admired Matulaitis and was loyal to him. 2 In Polish the phrase reads litewska orientacja, which suggests sympathizing with the Lithuanian polit- ical and nationalistic viewpoint. 3 Its English title is Our Thought . 4 Adam Stankevich (1891-1955): a Belorussian priest who completed his studies at the Vilnius Seminary, ordained in 1914. Graduated from the Theological Academy of St. Petersburg; from 1918 to 1922 worked among the Belorussian people of Vilnius. He was a journalist, directed various organizations, and was a well- known Belorussian leader.