Differences between the Poles and the Lithuanians in the Roman-Catholic Communities in Russia in the early Twentieth Century

Abstract

The article examines the dynamics within Roman-Catholic communities in the Russian Empire, particularly in the provinces of Wilno, Kowno, and Suwalki, as well as in St. Petersburg. It highlights the traditional Polish influence in the Russian Catholic parishes, characterized by the predominance of Polish clergy, the use of the Polish language in supplementary divine services, administrative tasks, and the operation of parish schools. As the century turned, this Polish dominance began to generate discontent among other ethnic groups, notably the Lithuanians, who constituted the second largest group of Catholic parishioners. The late 19th century witnessed a surge in the Lithuanian national movement, including the advancement of the Lithuanian literary language. Consequently, conflicts between Poles and Lithuanians in Catholic parishes became more frequent, particularly in the North-Western region, centering around issues such as the language of psalms, additional services, and the medium of instruction in parish schools.