Bishop Raimo Goyarrola will travel to the United States in February, where he will seek support for many ongoing or upcoming projects in the diocese. On the occasion of his trip, he has written a letter to the Catholics of Finland asking for their prayers:
Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
I am writing to you briefly now as the shepherd of our beloved diocese because I ask for your help, above all, your prayers. Over the next few weeks, I will be in the United States, where I will meet daily with bishops as well as representatives of parishes and various Catholic communities in California, Texas, and Colorado.
I will tell them about our local Church here in the northeastern corner of Europe. A small Church that is growing and has many dreams. A Church blessed with a faithful and devoted flock, with many families from all over the world. A Church that enjoys the best ecumenical relations in the world but has very limited resources.
I ask for your prayers that I may find a way to touch the hearts of those I meet so that, despite their own concerns, they may feel that our diocese on the other side of the world is also worthy of their support. I will tell them about our projects: the Espoo Formation center, which is being built alongside the former Carmelite monastery; the Catholic school, which is set to open its doors this autumn; the need for new churches and chapels; a nursing home; as well as the inevitable renovations we must undertake.
Dear faithful, I pray for you every day as I celebrate Mass, I pray for our local Church in Finland and for more people to hear the good news of Christ Jesus. I ask you to join me in this prayer in whatever way you choose, and, if possible, to support your Church community according to your ability and will.
Our Lady, Star of the Sea, pray for us.
Saint Joseph, protector of the Church, pray for us.
Saint Henry, patron of Finland, pray for us.
Blessed Hemming, caretaker of the Church’s needs, pray for us.
Helsinki, 7 February 2025
✠ Raimo Goyarrola
Bishop of Helsinki
More information about these and other projects can be found at: katolinen.fi/lahjoita (Visit an external site. The link opens in a new tab.). For foreign donations: katolinen.fi/en/donations/ (Visit an external site. The link opens in a new tab.).