Nijole Sadunaite  · Soviet Lithuania  · 1970s

When Nijole Sadunaite was sentenced in Soviet Lithua¬nia, she told the court:

"This is the happiest day of my life. I was judged today for the cause of truth and love toward men. What cause could be more important? I have an enviable fate, a glorious destiny. My condemnation will be my triumph. I regret only having done so little for men.

"Standing today on the side of the eternal truth of Jesus Christ, I remember His fourth beatitude: `Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness, for they shall be filled.' There exists no greater joy than to suffer for truth and for one's fellow men. How could I not rejoice when God Almighty has promised that light will overcome darkness and truth will overcome error and lies!

"We must condemn evil, but we must love the man, even the one in error. This you can learn only at the school of Jesus Christ, who is the only truth for all, the only way, and the only life. Good Jesus, Your kingdom comes into our souls."
 
She was sentenced to three years in prison.

After being freed, she met the Pope in Rome, and he asked her, "How was it in jail?"

She replied, "Romantic."