The chairs in the parish hall of Saint Henry’s Cathedral were pleasantly filled when the long-awaited book presentation by Bishop Raimo took place. Mulled wine and gingerbread helped create a warm atmosphere, but above all it was the spirit of the occasion and the bishop’s consistently positive and cheerful disposition that warmed the heart.
Some of the books presented were written years ago, others during the time when Raimo Goyarrola has served as bishop. In this text, however, I use the name Bishop Raimo.
All of the bishop’s books were on display, beginning with the rosary books Kirjeitä taivaasta 1–4 (Letters from Heaven 1–4), which came into being over a fairly long period of time. I myself remember that after purchasing the first two volumes, one had to wait a year or even two for the third and fourth. Good things are worth waiting for. The books were written gradually, a few sentences or pages at a time. There is also a story connected with them: Bishop Raimo imagined himself together with Mary and Joseph just before the birth of Jesus. He immersed himself in what the angel Gabriel might have been thinking at that moment, and thus the first volume, Iloiset salaisuudet (The Joyful Mysteries), came into being.
Tapaamisia Jeesuksen kanssa (Encounters with Jesus) is likewise based on the Gospels. The book contains one hundred chapters, each consisting of a passage from the New Testament followed by reflection and beautiful narrative. The text flows smoothly, and the temptation to read the book from cover to cover is strong. At some point, however, I decided to practise self-discipline and now read only one chapter at a time. I reflect on what life was like 2,000 years ago, how these events might appear when applied to our own time, and what in the text speaks particularly to me. This is a book that invites one to pause and listen to what the heart is saying.
As Bishop Raimo is trained as a physician, he has written two books from a medical perspective: Ihmiselämää äidin kohdussa (Human Life in the Womb), which deals with abortion, and Arvokas kuolema (A Dignified Death), which addresses euthanasia. The latter has just been published in a revised and expanded edition including a section on palliative care. Both are slim and easily readable books on topics that one hopes will help orient the reader’s values in the right direction.
As the crowning touch, the book Jään murtaminen (Breaking the Ice) was presented. It was originally published in Spanish (Romper el hielo) in the spring of 2025 and achieved great popularity; four editions have already been printed in Spanish. The book consists of engaging short stories, beginning with how our bishop once came to Finland – a country he loves. It is an excellent Christmas gift for anyone.
The next book is expected to be published in 2026, and it is awaited with particular anticipation, as it will be the bishop’s doctoral dissertation. We wish him strength and inspiration in bringing this work to completion.
One hour was not quite enough, as the audience had many questions. The bishop answered them, offering explanations and clarifications. He was a pleasure to listen to, and the listeners appeared satisfied and happy. Many of us went home with a book under our arm and a light heart.
The proceeds from the sale of the books go to our common good, to the work of the Church. For this we thank Bishop Raimo – and for Bishop Raimo, we thank God.
Christel Monni