We invite you to visit the exhibition of artworks by Gintautė Giedrimaitė in April–May 2026.
Sister Gintautė Giedrimaitė comes from a family of artists, so creativity has been a part of her life since childhood. Growing up in an artistic environment, she learnt to see beauty in simple things and to seek it out in everyday life. After graduating from the M. K. Čiurlionis Art School in Vilnius, she studied graphic design at the Vilnius Academy of Arts, and later chose a career in teaching and monastic life. She currently works at the Catholic nursery ‘Mažutėliams’, run by the Congregation of the Sisters of the Crucified Christ, and is studying for a Master’s degree in art therapy. This exhibition forms part of her academic journey. The artist’s work emerges as a quiet, inner process – akin to prayer. Through watercolour and drawing, she seeks peace and a deeper connection with herself, others and God. The works presented in the exhibition invite visitors to pause, remain in silence and, through the images, experience hope, meaning and light.
A meeting organised by the Caritas of St Teresa’s Parish
On 6 April 2026, the second day of Easter, the first gathering for single people in the parish took place at the Pilgrimage Centre of the Church of the Gate of Dawn. The gathering was organised by the Caritas workers of St Teresa’s Parish.
Photo exhibition
In March 2026, an exhibition of photographs by Virgilijus Navalinskas, entitled ‘Let Us Love Our Homeland’, was held at the Pilgrimage Centre of the Shrine of the Gate of Dawn, which was open to the public.
In November and December 2025, the Pilgrimage Centre at the Shrine of the Gate of Dawn once again hosted an exhibition of works by folk artist and creator Birutė Jadvyga Mickevičienė, entitled ‘Reflections of Cross-Stitching in Patchwork Art’.
The Feast of Our Lady of Mercy at the Gate of Dawn took place from 9 to 16 November 2025.
During the indulgences, the following programme took place at the Pilgrims’ Centre of the Shrine of the Gate of Dawn:
9 November – Meeting of members of the Legion of Mary;
On 10 November, following the 11.00 am Mass, the Christian film *The Story of Mary* (2014, in Lithuanian) will be screened: ;
11 and 12 November – Presentation of Sister Teresa Szałkowska’s book *The Image of the Invisible God* by the Congregation of the Sisters of Merciful Jesus, in Lithuanian and Polish: ;
On 13 and 14 November, following the 11.00 am Mass, there will be workshops on folk art led by folk artist and creator Birutė Jadvyga Mickevičienė: ;
15 November, following the 11.00 am Mass – a performance of “The Grapes of Golgotha” by the Tauragė Cultural Centre Folk Theatre:
From July to October 2025, a photography exhibition on the theme of nature was on display at the Pilgrimage Centre of the Shrine of the Gate of Dawn.
The Feast of Our Lady of Mercy at the Gate of Dawn took place from 10 to 17 November 2024
The following programme took place at the Pilgrims’ Centre of the Shrine of the Gate of Dawn (at the ‘KANA’ café) during the feast day:
– A gathering of members of the Legion of Mary; – together with our family, we were invited to discover the secrets of ribbon braiding, twisting and weaving, which were revealed by master craftspeople Rasa and Algirdas Breidokai; – The film “Sala” was shown in Lithuanian, and the film “Dangus yra tikras” was shown in Lithuanian; both were screened throughout the day.
An exhibition of work by pupils from Pagiriai Secondary School in the Vilnius district was held throughout the festival.
Photo exhibition at the Pilgrims’ Centre of the Shrine of the Gate of Dawn
An exhibition of photographs by the artist and photographer Vaidas Vidugiris was held at the Pilgrimage Centre of the Shrine of the Gate of Dawn between March and May 2024. These works are dedicated to the glory of God and serve as a testament to the miraculous graces the artist has experienced in his life.
The Feast of Our Lady of Mercy at the Gate of Dawn took place from 12 to 19 November 2023
During the feast days, certified craftspeople Rasa and Algirdas Breidokai from Kaltanėnai visited and presented their art to the people of Vilnius gathered at the Pilgrim Centre of the Shrine of the Gate of Dawn.
You can find out more about these folk artists on this website (including a video).
On 18 November, an evening of hymns of praise entitled “Hail Mary” took place, featuring the early music ensemble “Giesmių tarnai”. Performers: Toma Grašytė-Jegelevičienė (soprano, zither, transverse flute). Evelina Grinevič-Trenkamp (alto). Jonas Sprindys (tenor). Augustinas Žilys (baritone). Valdemaras Dadėla (bass, lute and artistic director).
In November, the Pilgrims’ Centre at the Shrine of the Gate of Dawn hosted an exhibition by folk artist and creator Birutė Jadvyga Mickevičienė titled “Reflections of Cross-Stitching in Patchwork Art”.
Also in November, visitors were able to view the exhibition ‘Miracles of the Eucharist’ dedicated to the Blessed 15-year-old Carlo Acutis. At the age of 11, he began creating an exhibition on the miracles of the Eucharist. Carlo died at the age of 15, three days before the exhibition was due to open. In October 2020, he was declared Blessed.
On 22 March 2023, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople visited the Gate of Dawn
We welcomed a distinguished guest to the Shrine of the Gate of Dawn: on 22 March 2023, Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constantinople visited the Gate of Dawn, where he prayed before the miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary. His Holiness the Patriarch left a gift for Our Lady of the Gate of Dawn – the icon of the Mother of God of Chaynice (information about this image in English). As he presented the gift, the Patriarch urged us: let us not cease to pray to Mary for peace in Ukraine.
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