Simonas Norkus: Priest and collaborator of Jonas Basanavičius

Simonas Norkus (Narkevičius) was a priest, writer, translator, and collaborator of Dr. Jonas Basanavičius who played a significant role in the Lithuanian national revival. He was a supporter of book smugglers and educators.

There is a noted disparity in how his legacy is preserved across borders. While his memory is actively maintained with respect by the Lithuanian community in the Suwałki region of Poland, specifically near Punsk, his heritage in his native Lithuania is described as being largely forgotten. A presentation of his collected writings, published by the ‘Aušra’ publishing house in Punsk, drew significant interest from local residents in Kalvarija.