PLACES TO VISIT

Franciscan Sisters Congregation of Perpetual Help of the Blessed Virgin Mary

The inhabitants of Kretinga affectionately call the sisters who have settled on Pušyno Street the "sisters of help." This monastery is unique due to its Lithuanian origin, and, as the sisters jokingly say, it is the only Samogitian monastery in a town that has as many as five monasteries. In 1936, the congregation was established by the Guardian of the Franciscan Monastery, Augustinas Dirvelė. At that time, the sisters had to help maintain the church and carry out household chores. Today, they help decorate the church and prepare children for their First Communion according to the old customs. They also visit lonely people and patients, and their main purpose is to provide guidance to both youth and adults. In 1954, the sisters established on Pušyno Street purchased a house from their savings. Today, it has been reconstructed, providing enough space for people seeking peace of mind and wishing to temporarily stay at the sisters’ place.