Abstract
The letter is an eloquent document for understanding society. Its features reflect changes in the identity of the individual and different communities. In the published correspondence between Blessed Jurgis Matulaitis, MIC and Pranciškus P. Būčys, MIC one reads of Matulaitis‘ poor health, which is in itself a state of vulnerability. But attention to the wounds of the Church and the desire to work for the good of the Catholics oppressed by Bolsheviks overshadows their individual hardships. I‘m interested in ways a private dialogue between two religious Lithuanians responds to the 20th-century life of renewed Marians. Liz Stanley‘s insights into the referentiality in the letters and the individuals‘ links to the social context through the text raise questions on the boundary experiences represented. My research focuses on the reflected self, cherished Catholic friendship and belonging in times of repression, hostility, abandonment and the threat of death. The purposeful intent and affection following authentic addresses correspond to the difficulties of sending/receiving a letter, bringing people together or meeting in person. The letter‘s truth status and poetics thus overlap textual and extra-textual reality, while uniting them. The quests in the narrative give and receive meaning to a person‘s faith and choices. In such a way, particular letters become unique testimonies of the communal life. It is hypothesized that socialisation through letters affects one‘s religiosity. Is it possible to describe the correspondence between Matulaitis and Būčys as sharing care and providing a strong foundation for vulnerable religious communities?
Presenters
Augustė ŽičkytėStudent, PhD Candidate, Vilnius University, Vilniaus Apskritis, Lithuania
Details
Presentation Type
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session
Theme
Religious Community and Socialization
KEYWORDS
Community, Letters, Correspondence
