E. Levin nuotr.
Julius and Indrė, together with their two sons, Sirputis and Jonas, arrived at the World Apostolic Congress on Mercy marketplace with a special surprise: one thousand small origami hearts. Behind them lies not only months of dedicated family work, but also a profound spiritual story inspired by St. Faustina’s Diary.
“When we learned there would be a congress marketplace, we started thinking about what special contribution we could make,” says Julius, a native of Kaunas. “The inspiration came from a passage in St. Faustina’s Diary.”
“My Jesus, trusting in You, I weave thousands of wreaths, and I know that all of them will bloom when illuminated by the Divine sun.” These words of St. Faustina became the starting point for an idea that Julius and Indrė, together with their sons Jonas and Sirputis, transformed into a tangible gift for congress participants.
The image of weaving wreaths gradually evolved into a different form – folded paper hearts. Each heart contains a small space for a personal thought, prayer, or intention. Inside are images of Jesus or Mary, while the recipient is invited to write down a prayer, a hope, or something they wish to entrust to God.
“Sometimes, a year or two later, you open that little note and realize your prayer has been answered,” Julius says. “God truly works miracles.”
The family spent nearly three months creating the hearts. Everyone took part: folding paper, making linocut prints, and designing the display booth. Eleven-year-old Sirputis became one of the marketplace’s most enthusiastic helpers and, his parents joke, enjoys the sales side of things the most. His handmade postcards featuring mountain landscapes sold out quickly. Fifteen-year-old Jonas also contributed to the creative process and is actively involved in the arts.
Although their booth looked remarkably professional, the family remains humble.
“We’re not the kind of people who travel from fair to fair,” Julius explains. “But when a meaningful idea comes along or an opportunity like this presents itself, we enjoy taking part as artists.”
Indrė is a painter, Julius is an architect, and artistic talent runs through the family. It is no surprise that their sons are following a similar path.
Yet the story behind these hearts is about far more than art. It is deeply connected to a personal journey of faith.
Fifteen years ago, Julius experienced a powerful conversion. Searching for answers after what he describes as an unexpected encounter with God, he picked up St. Faustina’s Diary for the first time. What first caught his attention was the image of Jesus with rays streaming from His Heart – an image that would change the course of his life.
“It was the first book that truly guided me,” Julius recalls. “Through it, I discovered God’s mercy. It helped build my faith until I found a community, priests, and the sacraments.”
Today, Julius is preparing for the diaconate.
It is no surprise, then, that St. Faustina and the message of Divine Mercy became the heart of this family’s creation. These small paper hearts offer congress participants a simple yet powerful invitation: open your heart to God and remember your deepest prayers, hopes, and words of gratitude.
Perhaps that is why these hearts have become more than just a congress souvenir. They are small signs of trust, carrying the message that God continues to work in people’s lives today – quietly, patiently, and mercifully.
Be sure to stop by the marketplace and take home one of these special congress keepsakes.