Inkūnai parishioners surprised the new pastor

The Inkūnai church, located in a wooded area of the Anykščiai district, has long attracted all those looking for a special place for a family celebration. Many come for the pure water flowing from the spring next to the church. Last Sunday, there were many people in Inkūnai.

On August 18, Inkūnai parish had a big celebration. Residents scattered across farmsteads welcomed the new pastor, Father Mindaugas Šakinis. Most people know him, as he had served in Anykščiai until now. Of the several dozen villages that once belonged to the parish, only a few remain today, where life still pulsates. "Upon entering the church, the pastor was surprised to see the faithful barely fitting into the house of prayer. He said he expected to see ten parishioners," Barbora Domarkaitė, one of the concert organizers, told "Šilelis."
Violinists Barbora Domarkaitė and Kristina Domarkienė prepared a concert to welcome the new pastor in the Inkūnai church. The renowned organist Dalia Jatautaitė, soprano Rita Preikšaitė, and bass Tomas Ladiga arrived for the solemn Holy Mass. The pastor, Father Mindaugas Šakinis, introduced himself to the parishioners, wishing them to live in harmony, share love and faith, and help each other in creating a strong, creative community.
After the services, neighbors gathered at the rectory, where painter Donatas Inis prepared an exhibition on the theme of post-war independence fighters from the Anykščiai region. Artist Renata Umbra exhibited art pieces of raku ceramics. Parishioners brought snacks, and to the sound of live music, melodies performed by violinists B. Domarkaitė and K. Domarkienė, they discussed how to revive the rectory. The building needs a new roof, it would be good to repaint the exterior, fix the stoves, and electrical wiring. Catholic family camps and parish meetings could be held here. The idea arose to mark each disappeared village with informational signs where people would find the most important historical facts about the village. After all, even Anykščiai residents themselves would learn more about their region when going mushroom or berry picking in the forests. By the way, artist Ričardas Peleckas and the new pastor discussed the possibility of decorating the windows of the Inkūnai church with stained glass.
In summer, the Inkūnai forests come alive; thirty, forty years of leisure are spent here by the owners of old homesteads who come to their farmsteads. They continue old traditions, revive the life of the local community, creating and sharing here with everyone. Famous artists, diplomats, architects, doctors, writers, and lawyers organize concerts in the forests, a Forest Festival, and create unique raku ceramics and sculpture.
And the first Holy Mass offered by Father M. Šakinis showed that a friendly parish and an initiative clergyman can achieve a lot if they work together. The residents of Inkūnai forests thank the residents of Magylai, Lašiniai, Inkūnai, and Mikieriai villages for a wonderful celebration. A great gift is also the concert donated to Inkūnai by Anykščiai resident T. Ladiga and other soloists.

Article source: http://nyksciai.lt/inkunu-parapijieciai-nustebino-naujaji-klebona-galerija-video