This is a story of Vilaka Roman catholic church which celebrating 130 years as it built. Vilaka is the far-reaching Catholic Point in the East of European Union. Our project story is about coloured light gates or restoration of the stained-glass windows of the church. The mysterious secret of the twilight in the church has been revealed. What is stained glass? It is a painting or ornamental composition made of coloured pieces of glass. It is a unique play of glass and light. It is a labour-intensive, complex and precise restoration process. However, if the sun shines through the glass, for example over Jesus' head or central altar, during the service (Snt. Mesa), it is very impressive and beautiful. Vilaka Roman catholic community restoration of the stained-glass windows started in 2006. Attracting the finances from different state and European Union funds, local municipality support and private contributors (finances from 1000,00 Eur till 25000,00 Eur), during 14 years we had restored all 13 stained glass windows in the main prayer place and one central rosette of the central entrance. To finish our dream about 100 % restored the stained-glass windows it would be necessary to restore 3 windows on the church entrances. This project target is keeping the memory of the church builders of the family of Polish counts – Lippe – Lipska family and to create a chapel to honor the memory of the church builders. The tasks are: restore two stained glass windows, and from co-financing build the portable wood floor, equip with carpet and special benches for prayers. Honour of the contributors will teach the history of Vilaka, Europa for new generations from all over the world who will visit our church.

Vilaka Roman catholic church is built between 1884 and 1890. Bishop Ludwig Felikss Zdanovich consecrated the church on 13 January 1891 (according to the old style). The two towers of the church are 46 m high, and the small towers are closed by the Gothic style - called cross flower. In 1884 the countess Alina Lippe – Lipska (origins from Poland) has been the owner of the 3rd largest Marienhausen Manor in Latgale region (in Latvia). There was small and wooden catholic church. Therefore, countess decided to build new church, which is built from red bricks, which were made from local masters. Technical project of the church was made by engineer Florians Viganovskis (born in Grodna region in Belarus). Florians Viganovskis managed all building works, he lived in manor. It was very important for engineer to follow the principles of Gothic style and show this style beauty in Vilaka Roman catholic church. All expenses for building the church (~ 90 000 czar time rubbles) had covered by the countess finances. She built the church to honor God. The church can hold 2500 people. Architectural connoisseurs of churches our church, which is built in the style of neogothic, are called the “Gothic Rose.” The church has been an important spiritual centre for the second century. The beautiful and majestic church are popular for ceremonies, both in joyful moments of life (weddings, baptism) and in sad moments (funerals), and in organizing local, regional and national concerts. The services available in the Roman Catholic Church of Viļaka are used not only by around 2000 residents of Villaka region, but also by residents of neighbouring Balvi municipality and concerts are attended by visitors from Vidzeme and Latgale. More and more people are surprised about majestic church visual view and people have been impressed by the ancient painting of the Blessed Virgin Mary, that was carried from the old wooden church, whereby many believers have received help and consolation. During summer season many classic and organ music concerts are held in the church. Famous artists of them are Latvia Radio choir, symphony Orchestra Sinfonietta, conductor Sigvards Kļava, ancient mucic band Scola Cantorium Riga, Riga Cathedral Boys Choir, organ players Dina Ihina un Deniss Mahaņkovs from Snt. Peterburg, Gijs van Schoonhoven Netherland, Eugenio Maria Fagiani from Italy. This project target is keeping the memory of the church builders of the family of Polish counts – Lippe – Lipsku family and to create a chapel to honor the memory of the church builders. We want to create a chapel in the left side of the portal. This is good place for place where to come and pray for God for private praying. And possibility to call the chapel of the name of contributors – Lippe – Lipska family. For 10000,00 Eur will restored 2 stained-glass windows of the church (entrances of the 2 from 3 doors in the church). We will co-financing total sum: 6843,60 Eur, include 1093,60 Eur for restoration of stained-glass windows, 5200,00 Eur for build the portable wood floor, equip with carpet and special benches for prayers and 550 in kind costs for project management. Vilaka catholic church belongs to catholic church congregation, written in Land book (Zemesgrāmata), number 38150010031. It is possible to realize the project from 15 th July 2020 till 30 March 2021. Contacts: Vilaka Roman catholic church priest Guntars Skutels, mob.ph. +371 29522542, e-mail: gunsk@inbox.lv. He is consecrated as priest in 2010, studies in Riga (Latvia) and Venice (Italy); project manager Vineta Zeltkalne, mob.ph. +371 29373559, e-mail: vinuks1@gmail.com. She has experience to manage the projects from 2005, has bachelor degree in Public Relations and master degree in Sociotechnical systems modeling (Mg.sc.ing.).

Vilaka Roman catholic church is a part of tangible cultural heritage in Europa. It is a cultural monument of national importance in Latvia. Vilaka is included in cross – border projects like EuroVelo 11, GreenWays Riga – Vilaka – Pskov (Russia), European Heritage Days. Vilaka takes an important place in the history of Europe. We border with Russia Federation in East, with Vilaka starts European Union. Vilaka is one of the oldest populated areas of the great Lagalian tribe; Marienhausen (ancient name of Vilaka) Palace with its settlement is known from 1293; important is Viļaka lake with an island, where is castle ruins from the 13th century (build by Cistercian Order monks); one of the four stationery centres in Latgale during Polish times; Marienhausen Manor was the centre of the third largest manor in Latvia, 18th centuries; from 1950. until 1959 was the center of Abrene County, Vilaka municipality centre from 2009. In 2020 Vilaka as a residential area presents it’s 727 anniversaries. Vilaka is place which keeps Latgalian, Latvian, Estonian, Russian, Polish, Jewish traditions. At nowadays we represent good cooperation among catholic, protestant and orthodox churches, among all confessions which are available in Vilaka. Pastors from these confessions participate jointly in public events organized by the local government. Such expressed values on human rights and democracy.