Ignalina is one of the three cities (the others being Vilnius and Vilkaviškis) where the Order of Malta relief service groups were first established. Its long-time leader is Vidutė Ektienė.
As Ignalina celebrated its 150th anniversary, the group came up with the idea of erecting a sculpture – as a thank you to the Maltese sponsor, as a reminder to Ignalina that there are people in need of help in the city and throughout the region, and as a gift to Lithuania, which is celebrating the centennial of its statehood.
The author of the sculpture is Teofilis Patiejūnas from Ignalina. Apparently, this circumstance, as well as the memory of the blessed Teofilius Matulionis, determined that the sculpture was „baptized“ with the name of Teofilius.
This is the first such sign of gratitude to the Maltese in Lithuania.
When presenting the sculpture, V. Ektienė wished: „May it be a gift to Lithuania, which is celebrating the anniversary of the restoration of its statehood, and may it be a reminder to the people of Ignalina that we need to see, sympathize with the suffering of others, and, if possible, help.“
Information updated 2025-12-11
Reviews