Society of Saint Casimir

Kazimiero draugija) was a Lithuanian society that published Lithuanian-language books and periodicals, many on Roman Catholic church and faith.

Leaving written evidence was dangerous as its activities were illegal and the members could easily be arrested by the Tsarist police.

Bishop of Samogitia Mečislovas Leonardas Paliulionis approved the initiative but was dissatisfied that the organization was not based in Kaunas.

The priests included Povilas Januševičius [lt], Juozas Tumas-Vaižgantas, Vladas Mironas, Alfonsas Petrulis.

[8] Its new chairman, Adomas Dambrauskas-Jakštas [lt], reorganized the company into a society which was officially registered on 16 October [O.S.

[9][10] With the help of Bishop Paliulionis and Cardinal Serafino Cretoni, the society obtained an indulgence from Pope Pius X on 10 April 1907.

After the Great Seimas of Vilnius, the priests wanted to establish the Lithuanian Christian Democratic Party and, with the help of the society, publish Žiburys (light, beacon) magazine.

[9][18] Alekna also wrote and the society published a book on the history of the church (three editions in 1919–1929) and a monograph on Bishop Motiejus Valančius (1922).

[9] It also published periodicals Nedėldienio skaitymas, Ateitis, Garnys, Vienybė, Žvaigždė, Ganytojas, Žemdirbys, Draugija, Rygos garsas.

The chapters were also active in fighting illiteracy, smoking and alcohol consumption, organizing reputable entertainment (e.g. musical performances or sport competitions).

Later, smaller book shops were opened in Vilnius (1918), Šiauliai (1919), Telšiai, Ukmergė (1921), Tauragė, Radviliškis (1922), Panevėžys, Mažeikiai (1923), Laisvės alėja, Kaunas (1925), Vilkaviškis (1931), and Plungė (1932).

On 12 July, its chairman Mykolas Vaitkus was dismissed by the deputy Minister of the Interior of the People's Government of Lithuania.