This year, Klaipeda University Rector Prof. Dr. Artūras Razbadauskas visited the Caritas centre to take part in the meeting. He arrived bearing gifts – the funds raised by the KU community during the traditional Cake Day were used to purchase vitamins for the seniors. This initiative is yet another example of how university-led efforts are transformed into tangible support.
During the gathering, the Rector delivered a warm address, while the seniors shared moments from their daily lives within the Caritas organization and spoke about activities actively supported by Klaipeda University students through volunteering. The afternoon was filled with lively interaction – over tea and cakes, old Lithuanian songs were sung, smiles abounded, and heartfelt conversations unfolded.
The parish priest of the Mary Queen of Peace Parish, Mindaugas Šlaustas, expressed his appreciation for the meaningful partnership and symbolically noted that “science and spirituality run parallel like railway tracks” – a synergy clearly reflected in this collaboration. With his characteristic sense of humour, the priest joked that after such a dose of vitamins, the seniors would be “hard to keep up with,” praising their energy, curiosity, and active engagement.
For Klaipeda University, this partnership represents not only social responsibility but also a living connection between generations, between science and humanity. Student volunteering at Caritas, community initiatives, and warm meetings with seniors foster a meaningful dialogue that has become a beautiful tradition, growing stronger year by year.
