Frequently rumors are heard that new bishops will be named in Lithuania. This is understandable since both the Lithuanian clergy and the Holy See wish to normalize the affairs of the Lithuanian Church. The Chronicle is convinced, however, that there is very little hope of achieving this. The Soviet government would not allow the Lithuanian Church to reap any benefit from the appointment of a new bishop, and the faithful would accept only bishops who were not government collaborators and who would not capitulate in the face of danger.
One potential candidate to the bishopric and very acceptable to the Soviet government is the newly appointed Vicar General of the Kaunas Archdiocese and of the Vilkaviškis Diocese, the long-time pastor of Sts. Peter and Paul Church in Šiauliai, Father Liudvikas Mazonavičius. His fear of and obedience to the Soviet government are well known throughout Lithuania.
Also acceptable to the Soviet government would be the candidacies of Algis Gutauskas and Juozas Andrikonis, administrators of the Vilnius Archdiocese and of the Kaišiadorys Diocese, and similar priests.
The children of The Land of Mary hope that the Holy Father, who has dedicated half of his heart to Lithuania, when naming new bishops will consider the desires of Lithuania's faithful and appoint strong bishops who will wholeheartedly serve the Church. Long years of experience have shown us that making do with fewer bishops is more desirable than adding unsuitable ones.
