It is proposed to name the park in the center of Kretinga after priest B. Burneikis Business

The proposal of the Kretinga district municipality will be considered next week by the Government, which according to the law gives names to state objects or changes them.

“He was an important person not only for Kretinga, but also for the entire Klaipėda region. He was called a church builder, but in Kretinga he is remembered not only as a brick church builder, but also as a “living church” builder. It is known that he knew how to work with young people, during that period the activity and faith of the population increased significantly, the number of young people serving (in the church – BNS) increased,” Kretinga Vice Mayor Vaida Jakumienė told BNS.

The local initiative group “Kretingas aištė” previously proposed to give the park on Žemaitė avenue the name of B.Burneikis, and it was approved by the Kretinga district council in November 2022.

According to the municipality, while working in Kretinga, the monsignor lived next to this park, there is evidence that he took care of it.

According to Vice Mayor V. Jakumienė, if the park is named after B. Burneikis, it will also aim to give meaning to the priest’s memory.

“We know that B. Burneikis was also a chess player. Maybe there will be ideas to install a chess board (board – BNS) just to make the park more accessible. He was from Sami and read mass in Sami, so there are stone sculptures with Sami expressions,” V. Jakumienė told BNS.

“When we receive (Government Resolution – BNS), we want not only to formally give the name, but also to implement, emphasize, remind people of the meaning of the name,” said the vice-mayor.

In 1980, B. Burneikis, who was appointed the parish priest of Kretinga, took care of the reconstruction of the city church and its entrances, three bells were cast and hung by his order. The priest, who worked in various parishes in Žemaitija and the seaside, also took care of Klaipėda St. Construction of the Virgin Mary Queen of Peace Church.

Pope John Paul II awarded him the title of Chaplain of the Holy Father for his services to the Catholic Church.

During the Soviet era, B. Burneikis was persecuted by the security forces and imprisoned in various prisons.