Kunigas

Kunigas is the Lithuanian term for an ordained priest in the Catholic Church. It denotes a man who has received ordination to serve as a minister of the sacraments and the Church’s liturgical and pastoral life. The word is commonly used in Lithuania to refer to Catholic priests and is part of everyday ecclesiastical vocabulary.

Role and duties: A kunigas presides at Mass, administers the sacraments (baptism, confession, Eucharist, matrimony, anointing of the sick, ordination), preaches, and provides spiritual guidance and pastoral care to parishioners. He may lead a parish as pastor or serve as a vicar or assistant under the local bishop. Some kunigai belong to religious orders and may work in schools, missions, or charitable works in addition to parish duties. Priestly assignments are overseen by the diocesan bishop.

Training and ordination: Becoming a kunigas requires years of formation in a seminary and spiritual formation. After completing studies, a man is ordained by a bishop and assigned to a parish or community. In the Catholic Church, priestly life typically includes celibacy in the Latin Rite and obedience to the bishop.

Historical and social context: Throughout Lithuanian history, kunigai have played roles in education, culture, and national identity. The Catholic clergy faced suppression during the Soviet era, with a revival after Lithuania regained independence. Today, they staff parishes, schools, and social services, and continue to influence religious and community life in the country.

See also: dvasininkas (clergy), vyskupas (bishop), diakonas (deacon).