Over a Thousand Gather in Vilnius for March for Life to Celebrate the Culture of Life
Vilnius, Lithuania, on Sept. 26, thousands gathered for the March for Life. Rallying under the slogan "Let’s not stop the beating heart," the peaceful public event drew a broad cross-section of society, including young families with strollers, students, seniors, medical professionals, educators, and clergy.
International participants from neighboring and distant nations joined the procession, underscoring the universal nature of the movement. Prominent spiritual leaders, including Archbishop of Vilnius Metropolitan Gintaras Grušas and Archbishop of Kaunas Metropolitan Kęstutis Kėvalas, walked alongside the crowd.
Carrying Lithuanian flags and event banners, participants marched from the Martynas Mažvydas National Library of Lithuania to Cathedral Square, singing well-known traditional folk songs.
At Cathedral Square, a tent city housed various life-affirming organizations alongside a main stage featuring music and personal testimonies. Event hosts Kristina and Mindaugas Pikūnas, founders of the "Kartu Saldu" Family Center, opened the program by emphasizing that a culture of life is built daily through love, responsibility, and support for the vulnerable. American guest speaker Patricia Sandoval delivered a moving address on the value of life, followed by stories of parenthood from local families and clergy. Speakers emphasized that the march aimed not to judge, but to advocate for compassionate, real-world spiritual and financial support for women and families in crisis.
The event also featured greetings from Prof. Dr. Rokas Čivljak, President of the European Catholic Medical Federation. Reflecting on the turnout, Dr. Auksė Narvilienė of the Lithuanian Association of Physicians "For Human Life" noted the continuity of a movement that began in Lithuania 35 years ago—referencing the country's first March for Life in April 1994 and a subsequent awareness marathon in 2001.
Saturday’s march demonstrated that respect for human dignity from conception to natural death continues to serve as a strong, unifying foundation for the community.
Key Highlights of the Event:
Diverse & International Attendance: The march brought together families, youth, seniors, healthcare professionals, and international guests from across Europe and beyond.
Prominent Leadership: Senior clergy members, including Archbishop Gintaras Grušas and Archbishop Kęstutis Kėvalas, led the march alongside civic participants from the Martynas Mažvydas National Library to Cathedral Square.
Community Engagement: Cathedral Square hosted a tent city of pro-life organizations, musical performances, and personal testimonies focused on supporting families and women facing crisis pregnancies.
Key Speakers: American advocate Patricia Sandoval delivered a keynote address alongside local community leaders, including hosts Kristina and Mindaugas Pikūnas.
Historical Continuity: Organizers noted the long tradition of life advocacy in Lithuania, dating back to the first March for Life organized by the Lithuanian Doctors' Association in 1994.
Source https://gyvybe.lt/vilniu-uzliejo-vienybes-banga-zygis-uz-gyvybe-2026-suvienijo-tukstancius-zmoniu/
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