Marianie na Łotwie 1924-1939
ENIn 1924, the Marians opened their first house in Vilani, Latvia. The Marians' ministry responded to the needs of the Catholic Church in Latvia, especially in its educational and social aspects, where the Marians have already acquired a great experience. First Latvians to complete their novitiate in Marijampole were Frs. Benedict Skrinda and Bronisław Valpitrs. Marians in Vilani conducted pastoral and social work and catechesis. Many parishes invited them to preach parish retreats. They also ran a print shop and published "Sauleite" - a monthly magazine for the youth. The second religious house was opened in Rzeżyca. There, the Marians led the diocesan print shop "Darbs Ziniba" and helped with pastoral ministry in the area parishes. The Marians' activity in Latvia in 1924-1939 was very fruitful. They ran the postulancy and novitiate. The number of priests and brothers was steadily rising. Further growth of the Marian posts was arrested by World War II (1939-1945), and the following Communist occupation.
