The attempts for freedom in 1988 that led to the declaration of the independent democratic Republic of Lithuania on March 11, 1990, was based on the modern understanding of human rights. Rehabilitation of the freedom to profess religion, one of the human rights that totalitarianism of the USSR violated the most, became an important motive of the anti-Soviet “singing revolution”. The sign of a new era for the Catholics in Lithuania was the regain of the Cathedral of Vilnius in 1988, the oldest and the most important national shrine which served as a museum during Soviet times. In 1989 most of the obstacles for the open Catholic activities were taken away and the rise was given to the dynamic development of the Church structures as well as the inside renewal of religious communities; all this was done following the II Vatican Council.

Spiritual, intellectual, organizational and material efforts of the Catholic Church in Lithuania during ten post Soviet years were directed at three areas. First – the revival of the activities and organizations that functioned before the war. Second – the renovation of sacral and community houses as well as the establishment of new centers. Third – the development of the initiatives of spiritual leadership, evangelization, catechization and allowances in accordance to the needs of the modern secular society. The latter was especially stressed during the three years of preparation for the Great Jubilee of Christianity.

The beginning of the ten year revival process was marked by solemn religious gatherings, it ended though with the prominent Catholic movements and well organized celebrations in the Jubilee year of Christianity. After 1990 the number of Catholics became half as much as before, nine out of ten believers and eight out of ten Lithuanian residents consider themselves to be Catholics. The number of practicing believers in different dioceses fluctuates between 8 and 16 per cent. New seminaries and numerous vocations allowed to rejuvenate the clergy. The number of parishes increased from 634 to 677 (in 2002), more than one hundred churches and about two hundred new or restored chapels were opened.

The significant difference in the end of the 20th century was made by the return of the religious institutes from the underground into a public Church and social life. Active lay Catholics also make their own contribution in strengthening community relations and strongly contributing to evangelization, charity and cultural activities as well as in the Catholic media. Although quick changes did not create the best conditions for the easy settlement of the relations between the Church and the State, things like pastoral care of the army, classes of religion at schools and return of the nationalized community property, witness the mutual good faith.