Save Our Lady of Vilnius Church in New York City

Your Excellency,

A half-century of brutal religious and cultural oppression has scattered people of Lithuanian origin around the world. Many found their way to New York City, and even today continue to do so. Since 1905 they, along with countless other faithful, have been welcomed, comforted and inspired by Our Lady of Vilnius parish, so intimately tied to the most beloved of shrines in their homeland. This is the only Lithuanian parish in all of Manhattan. The beautiful church at 570 Broome Street, while currently not being used because of repairable roof damage, is overall in very good condition. We respectfully request that you reconsider your decision to close this vibrant, living parish; reestablish communication with its representatives; and release the funds for the needed building repairs from the parish insurance claim which has already been paid to the Archdiocese.