The Marian Martyrs of Rosica

114 The Marian Martyrs of Rosica eignty of Lithuania. The soldiers were now having their drills in the high-school yard, so they would be ready to fight the enemy. Large rallies became fashionable. Days were full of joy. People cried themselves breathless. During enthusiastic speeches, we had lumps in our throats. Yes, that was the end. There was no more Lithuania, just another republic of the Soviet Union, a province of the Euro-Asian colossus. Allegedly, during one of the rallies in Mariampole, a Communist hotshot, of Jewish origin, proposed a project of amazing daring. “The time has finally arrived when we have to start to exterminate superstition and destroy prejudice. I make a motion to destroy the church in Mariampole.” There was silence as if in a cemetery. Apeasant arose to sec- ond the motion: “We agree, Comrade. Prejudice must be destroyed. But, you see, the Catholic Church is very large. We have to gain experience in blowing up buildings. Your syna- gogue is a smaller building. I propose a motion: Let us begin to exterminate superstition by blowing up your synagogue.” Laughter and applause filled the room. Finally, the painful day of July 15 arrived, the day of the dispersion of the Apostles. It was Sunday. During lunch, the superior came in with an official letter. “Within four hours the monastery must be emptied and the keys deposited in the office. You may take your possessions.” How kind the authorities proved to be by allowing us to take our possessions. They realized it was impossible to take every- thing within four hours. The Gorsoviet (City Council) was so indulgent that it extended the deadline for eviction by many hours. On a rain-soaked day, we left the monastery, having been told to leave. But the good people did not allow us to perish. We never went hungry. For some time, I lived with a very decent family of two elderly people, a brother and sister. I wanted to help them with the farming chores. They wouldn't allow it. All I could do was rake hay. The old man would often call me: Sviecias, eikim karves vesti ! “Guest,take the cows and tie them to another spot!” May God reward their good hearts