Vilnius, Lithuania – February 2025 – On February 16, Lithuania celebrates its national holiday commemorating the proclamation of the Republic of Lithuania in 1918. After the Soviet occupation, the Baltic state regained its independence starting in 1990. As per tradition, on this special day, the President of the Republic awards honors to individuals who have distinguished themselves in various fields for the good of society. This year, during the official celebrations, the President of the Republic of Lithuania, Gitanas Nausėda, conferred the Order of Merit "Pro Lituania" with the rank of Officer upon Fr. Alessandro Barelli, a Salesian and Rctor of the Salesian house in Vilnius. Fr. Barelli, an Italian missionary who has served in the Baltic country for 27 years, was recognized for his significant contributions to Lithuanian society. The honor was awarded in recognition of his fruitful apostolic work as the Parish Priest of the St. John Bosco parish in Vilnius, as the editor of the Lithuanian Salesian Bulletin for 25 years, as the national director of the Pontifical Mission Societies, and for his numerous initiatives in support of local youth, with a particular focus on missionary work and inculturation. The Salesian community of Vilnius, along with the parish’s educational-pastoral community, joined in a festive atmosphere to congratulate Fr. Barelli, celebrating this high recognition, which extends to all the pastoral work carried out by the Sons of Don Bosco in Lithuanian soil.