1956

Priest Dr. Povilas Jatulis arrived in Adelaide from Rome in 1949 at the invitation of Archbishop Matthew Beovich of Adelaide. A priest of the Panevezys diocese, he was born in 1912 in Vabalninkas and was ordained a priest in 1934 in Panevezys. He completed his philosophy and theology studies in Kaunas and continued them in Rome, where he earned a doctorate in theology.

Upon arriving in Adelaide, he was housed in the Archbishop’s residence and began pastoral care for the Lithuanian community. In 1957, he returned to Rome and did not come back to Australia.

In 1949, upon his arrival in Adelaide, P. Jatulis was given the use of St. Joseph’s Church by the Archbishop for Lithuanian services; this church was also used by Catholics of other nationalities. Lithuanian Catholics in Australia soon began to consider establishing a strong Lithuanian parish and finding ways to legalize it. When it became clear that property could not be purchased in the name of a legally non-existent Lithuanian parish, other avenues were sought.

Brone Mockuniene (Zaranskyte), a Lithuanian-Australian community activist, writer, and artist, wrote in her biographical memoir „Lithuanians in Australia: A Journey into the Unknown“ about priest Dr. Povilas Jatulis: "A cheerful natured, sincere, and Samaritan-hearted priest, Dr. P. Jatulis was like a motorcycle-flying help and earned respect and affection among the Lithuanians of Adelaide."

Australian Lithuanian Archives, Album "Lietuvių Caritas Inc. Board"

Front row seated (left to right): vice-chairman Balys Diciunas, Bronius Plokstis, Mykolas Varoneckas, Augustinas Kubilius.

Back row standing (left to right): Juozas Stepanas, Leonas Gerulaitis, secretary Pranas Pusdesris.

Adelaide, 1956

On September 9, 1956, at a meeting of parish representatives convened by Fr. Dr. P. Jatulis, it was decided to follow the example of other ethnic minorities and establish a Lithuanian Catholic parish organization called Adelaide Lithuanian Caritas. After registering the organization with government authorities, it would be able to acquire property on behalf of the parish.

At the founding meeting, the organization's bylaws were adopted, and in addition to the non-elected chairman – the chaplain of the Adelaide Lithuanian parish – the first Lithuanian Caritas Council was elected.

Australian Lithuanian Archives, Album "Lietuvių Caritas Inc. Board"

Adelaide, 1956

The statutes of Lithuanian Caritas were published in Lithuanian in the publication “The Sunday Voice”. The English version of the statutes was registered with government authorities and the archdiocese.

The organization’s goals declared: "to promote the spiritual well-being of Lithuanians living in South Australia, to encourage their loyalty to the Catholic faith, and to support and carry out charitable and philanthropic work."

Lithuanian Caritas was established to obtain legal rights to acquire real estate, in a similar manner to how the Adelaide Lithuanian Society was founded in order to acquire the Lithuanian House. The organization aimed to create favorable conditions for Lithuanian Catholic pastoral care and the development of Catholic activities. Its operations were limited to the administration of the owned property, without interfering in the priests’ pastoral work.

Australian Lithuanian Archives

Adelaide, suburb of Christies Beach, 1959

On September 9, 1956, at a parish representatives’ meeting convened by Fr. Dr. Povilas Jatulis, it was decided to purchase a larger plot of land by the seaside to establish a camp for Lithuanian youth and a retreat house.

In the seaside suburb of Christies Beach, 19 miles from central Adelaide, four plots of land were purchased and a temporary summer retreat building was constructed – consisting of five rooms and a kitchen. In 1957, the Adelaide Lithuanian youth camp took place at the Caritas summer retreat, organized by the Adelaide District Board of the Australian Lithuanian Community.

In early 1959, during his visit to Australian Lithuanians, Bishop Vincentas Brizgys encouraged them to follow the example of Lithuanians in the United States and begin establishing their own parishes. That same year, a cross was erected at Christies Beach based on a design by Pranas Pusdesris. The cross was blessed in the presence of more than 300 Australian Lithuanians.

Australian Lithuanian Archives, Album "Lietuvių Caritas Inc. Board"

In the center – Father Juozas Kungys.

After 1957

After Fr. Dr. Povilas Jatulis departed for Rome in 1957, he was succeeded in Adelaide by Father Juozas Kungys. Fr. Kungys (1919–1962) studied at the Telsiai Theological Seminary in Lithuania, later fled to Germany, and enrolled in the Eichstätt Seminary. He was ordained a priest in 1945.

In 1949, he arrived in Australia, and in 1951 moved to Melbourne, where every Sunday he would visit Lithuanian communities in Geelong and other nearby or distant areas where Lithuanians lived.

As the Lithuanian chaplain in Adelaide, Fr. Kungys, encouraged by the favorable attitude of the local archbishop toward Lithuanians, was the first to decide to begin the formal establishment of a Lithuanian parish. In the publication “The Sunday Voice”, he appealed to Adelaide’s Lithuanian Catholics, asking them to sign petitions in support of founding a Lithuanian parish in Adelaide. Around 500 Lithuanian Catholics in Adelaide signed the petitions.

At the same time, Mykolas Varoneckas offered to transfer a property in the suburb of St. Peters to Fr. Kungys and the Lithuanian Caritas council under favorable conditions.

Australian Lithuanian Archives, PH0427

Photograph by Alfonsas Budrys.

On August 9, 1959, Father Juozas Kungys convened a meeting of Lithuanian Catholics at St. Joseph’s Church, during which he presented a report on the proposed acquisition of a two-storey building in the suburb of St. Peters. The property was offered for transfer to the Lithuanian parish for £6,000 sterling. The vast majority of Australian Lithuanians attending the meeting supported the purchase.

The attendees decided that the property should be purchased in the name of the Lithuanian Caritas.

In September 1959, the purchase documents were signed, and in October volunteer working bees began. Within less than a year, Adelaide Lithuanians had renovated the building.

Australian Lithuanian Archives, Album "Lietuvių Caritas Inc. Board

The Lithuanian Catholic Centre is housed in the former girls’ high school building, known as Hardwicke College, in Adelaide.

The building was constructed in 1883 with the purpose of providing education to Methodist girls. It is a two-storey structure with thick stone walls, high ceilings, and good ventilation. Closed in 1910, the building remained unused until 1959, when it became the Adelaide Lithuanian Catholic Centre with its own chapel.

Australian Lithuanian Archives

In the building acquired by Lithuanian Caritas, the Lithuanian Catholic Centre and St. Casimir's Lithuanian Chapel were established. Australian Lithuanian Catholics were delighted when the local Archbishop granted permission to establish a Lithuanian chapel.

The idea of establishing a Lithuanian chapel was proposed by Archbishop Matthew Beovich during a visit by the Adelaide Lithuanian Caritas council delegation on January 9, 1960. The delegation intended to send a formal request to the Vatican through the Archbishop. Noting that the process could take 3–4 years, Archbishop Beovich suggested a simpler path – to apply for a national church or chapel instead.

“You, Lithuanian Catholics, have your own premises in St. Peters. You are creating a Lithuanian Catholic Centre there. If you wish, you may also have your own church or chapel. I hereby grant that permission with my authority,” said the Archbishop. The delegation gifted him a beautifully crafted Lithuanian cross by J. Matusas.

The Caritas council unanimously decided to accept the Archbishop’s offer and to establish a Lithuanian chapel within the Lithuanian Catholic Centre.

This marked the foundation of the national Lithuanian Catholic parish of St. Casimir, which had its own books for recording baptisms, marriages, and deaths, and all the rights granted to local Australian parishes.

Australian Lithuanian Archives, PH0385

The guest was welcomed by the chapel’s chaplain, Father Juozas Kungys, and the Lithuanian chaplain from Melbourne, Father Pranas Vaseris.

Adelaide, November 20, 1960

The dedication ceremony was attended by many priests and Australian Lithuanians — around 700 people in total. On the occasion of the consecration of St. Casimir’s Chapel and the Lithuanian Catholic Centre, Pope John XXIII sent an Apostolic Blessing to the Lithuanian Catholics of Adelaide and their chaplain.

Later, the Lithuanian Catholic Centre became home to the St. Casimir Lithuanian weekend school, the Lithuanian Catholic Women’s Association lounge, the "Vytis" sports club room, a library, a spacious hall, a Lithuanian press kiosk, and more.

Australian Lithuanian Archives, Album "Lietuvių Caritas Inc. Board"

Next to the statue of St. Casimir – archbishop M. Beovich.

Adelaide, November 20, 1960

Australian Lithuanian Archives, Album "Lietuvių Caritas Inc. Board"

In the front row, seated: 1 – Pranas Pusdesris, 4 – Father Juozas Kungys.

In the second row, standing: 1 – Jonas Rupinskas, 2 – Rimas Binkevicius, 4 – Bronius Janulis, 7 – Augustinas Kubilius.

Adelaide, 1960–1961

Photo by Alfonsas Budrys.

Australian Lithuanian Archives, PH0377

Leading the procession is Father Antanas Kazlauskas.

The girl wearing traditional clothes is Jurate Jaciute; second from the right is Kestutis Kuncaitis.

Photo by Alfonsas Budrys.

After the death of Father Juozas Kungys, the pastoral care of the community was entrusted to the Marian Fathers. That same year, Father Antanas Kazlauskas arrived from London, followed later by Marian Father Pranas Dauknys. At that time, an annex was built next to the main building of the Lithuanian Catholic Center, where a hall, reading room, and library were established. Since its foundation, the St. Casimir Lithuanian school has operated at the Lithuanian Catholic Center.

Australian Lithuanian Archives, PH0356

Adelaide, 24 September 1967

Photo by Alfonsas Budrys.

Australian Lithuanian Archives, PH0409

In the front row, seated: 2 – Adele Miliauskiene, 3 – Antanas Kazlauskas, 5 – Stefanija Jankauskiene.

In the second row, standing: 1 – Terese Gasiuniene, 3 – Marija Intiene, 4 – Birute Budriene.

Adelaide, 1960s

Photo by Alfonsas Budrys.

At its inception, the core of the society was made up of the wives of Lithuanian Caritas council members, who took over activities within the scope of Caritas work. On March 13, 1960, the Lithuanian Catholic Women’s Society of Adelaide was established and its first board was elected. The society actively assisted in the establishment of the St. Casimir’s Lithuanian Chapel, organized lotteries, gegužines dance, and provided buffet services every Sunday. With the funds raised, essential equipment was purchased, and liturgical vestments were bought for St. Casimir’s Lithuanian Chapel.

Australian Lithuanian Archives, PH0318

In the front row: 1 – Saulene Pusdesriene, 2 – Adele Miliauskiene, 4 – Anastazija Krivickiene.

In the second row, seated: 2 – Father Albinas Spurgis, 3 – Terese Gasiuniene, 4 – Father Antanas Kazlauskas.

In the third row, standing: 5 – Stefanija Jankauskiene, 7 – Rusne Kubiliene, 8 – Marija Intiene, 11 – Ursule Juciene.

In the last row, standing: 1 – Birute Buriene, 2 – Anele Urneviciene.

Photo by Alfonsas Budrys.

Australian Lithuanian Archives, PH0375

In the front row: Vytas Opulskis, Juozas Ramanauskas, Mykolas Varoneckas, Father Albinas Spurgis (chairman), Balys Diciunas.

In the second row: Romas Jablonskis, Justinas Lenktys, Domas Karpys, Antanas Krivickas.

Adelaide, 1969

On November 27, 1969, Father Albinas Spurgis arrived at the Lithuanian parish from Chicago. A. Spurgis was born in 1907 in the village of Silai, Panevezys district. He completed the seminary in Kaunas and studied at Vytautas Magnus University. He was ordained a priest in 1932. Leaving Lithuania in 1944, he lived and worked in Germany and the USA. In 1953, he joined the Marian Congregation in Rome. By appointment of the Marian superior general, he became the pastor of the St. Casimir Lithuanian Catholic parish in Adelaide. Through his care, the St. Casimir chapel was decorated with stained glass windows. The priest was known for his eloquence and interesting patriotic sermons.

Australian Lithuanian Archives

From the left: 1 – Father A. Spurgis, 2 – Father J. Vildzius.

September 19, 1971

Australian Lithuanian Archives, Album "Lietuvių Caritas Inc. Board"

Adelaide, December 30, 1973

Photo by Alfonsas Budrys.

Australian Lithuanian Archives, PH0326

Adelaide, December 31, 1973

Photo by Alfonsas Budrys.

Australian Lithuanian Archives, PH0327

Seated in the center: Father Albinas Spurgis, Bishop Antanas Deksnys, Father Antanas Kazlauskas.

Adelaide, 1973

Photo by Alfonsas Budrys.

Australian Lithuanian Archives, PH0340

First row, seated: 1 – Elena Baltutiene, 2 – Terese Gasiuniene, 3 – Elena Varniene, 4 – Father Pranas Dauknys, 5 – Vytautas Neverauskas, 8 – Genovaite Vasiliauskiene, 9 – Father Albinas Spurgis, 10 – Ona Zamoiskiene, 11 – Ceslovas Zamoiskis.

Second row, standing: 1 – Anele Urneviciene, 2 – Brone Lapsiene, 3 – Vytautas Vosylius, 4 – Sietynas Kubilius, 5 – Birute Budriene, 6 – Petras Gasiunas, 7 – Saulene Pusdesriene, 8 – Viktoras Baltutis, 9 – Rusne Kubiliene, 10 – Irena Gaveliene, 12 – Marija Neverauskiene, 13 – Kestutis Varnas, 14 – Leonas Gerulaitis, 15 – Jurgis Vasiliauskas, 17 – Pranas Pusdesris, 18 – Juozas Lapsys.

Adelaide, [1970s–1980s]

Photo by Alfonsas Budrys.

Australian Lithuanian Archives, PH0319

From left: 3 – Jovita Brazauskiene, 6 – Zinaida Venciene.

Adelaide, [1980s]

Photo by Alfonsas Budrys.

Australian Lithuanian Archives, PH0320

Front row, seated: 1 – Augustinas Kubilius, 2 – Vytautas Vencius, 3 – Mykolas Varoneckas, 4 – Father Albinas Spurgis, 5 – Vladas Radzevicius, 6 – Jeronimas Miliauskas.

Back row, standing: 1 – Alfonsas Budrys, 2 – Pranas Pusdesris, 6 – Leonas Pakalnis.

Adelaide, [1980s]

Photo by Alfonsas Budrys.

Australian Lithuanian Archives, PH0322

Front row, seated: 1 – Gintaras Kubilius, 2 – Jurate Venciute, 3 – Kestutis Varnas, 4 – Vita Bardauskaite, 5 – Jonas Bardauskas, 6 – Lina Jablonskyte, 7 – Father Albinas Spurgis, 8 – Loreta Jablonskyte, 9 – Vingra Rupinskiene, 10 – Augustinas Kubilius.

Second row, standing: 1 – [Kazla], 2 – Jonas Rupinskas, 3 – Milda Staugaite, 8 – Elena Varniene, 9 – Rima Staugaite, 10 – Povilas Kazlas, 12 – Bronius Sabeckis, 13 – Irena Rupinskaite-Sabeckiene, 14 – Agota Stepaniene, 15 – Romas Jablonskis, 17 – Aidas Kubilius, 18 – Nemira Masiulyte-Stapleton, 19 – Nijole Vitkuniene, 20 – Bronius Janulis, 21 – Anele Urneviciene, 22 – Petras Gasiunas, 23 – Pranas Pusdesris.

Adelaide, [1980s]

Photo by Alfonsas Budrys.

Australian Lithuanian Archives, PH0410

From left: 2 – Father Albinas Spurgis, 4 – Father Pranas Veseris, behind them: Sietynas Kubilius, Jonas Jaciunskis, Petras Jaciunskis, Saulius Kubilius.

Adelaide, December 30, 1979

Photo by Alfonsas Budrys.

Australian Lithuanian Archives, PH0325

1990s

Photo by Alfonsas Budrys.

Australian Lithuanian Archives, PH0307

Adelaide

Photo by Alfonsas Budrys.

Australian Lithuanian Archives, PH0378

The Lithuanian national flag is raised by a guest from Lithuania.

Adelaide, February 18, 1990

Photo by Alfonsas Budrys.

Australian Lithuanian Archives, PH0639