At the end of November 2025, we learned that Bishop Raimo would carry out the Canonical visitations required by Canon Law in all the parishes of our diocese in the spring of 2026. Immediately after the turn of the year, parish priests were informed in more detail about the content and process of the visitations, and thus the various parties were able to begin their preparations.
Purpose of the Visitations
The purpose of the Canonical Visitation is to ensure that the parish operates in accordance with the Church’s regulations, to correct any shortcomings, and to promote the life of faith and the work of evangelization. The bishop reviews the parish’s finances, administration, administrative documents, and church records. The inspection also covers the church, the tabernacle, and the baptismal font.
The visitation is administrative, but its primary purpose is to support and encourage parishioners and staff. Therefore, an essential part of the visit includes meetings with parishioners and employees, as well as celebrating Mass in the parish church and in the diaspora. At the conclusion of the inspection, the bishop issues a final statement on the visitation.
Various Inspections
In my working life, both in the pharmaceutical industry and as a pharmacy entrepreneur, I have been involved in numerous official inspections every year. They have their own sense of tension, whether it is a drug regulatory authority from across the Atlantic or a domestic authority investigating everything related to the matter. The theme may be an inspection of an ultra-clean pharmaceutical manufacturing process, an occupational safety inspection, a tax audit, or even a municipal check to ensure that customers are not exposed to infectious diseases in the pharmacy.
The bishop’s visitation did not cause anxiety for us in the Parish Council or the Financial Council, at least. The parish priest, Father Jean Claude Kabeza, prepared for the inspection together with us and other parties, not forgetting the laypeople. Synodality and caring for the common good were goals for all of us. The bishop listened, discussed, and showed genuine interest. He gave feedback, encouraged reflection, and expressed thanks. The visitation was characterized by a positive attitude and a spirit of care.
Afterwards, I remarked that my mind was so energized that it might be difficult to fall asleep that night. A friend replied that at one would probably sleep like a log due to feeling so peaceful.
Four Masses in Three Days
What struck me as particularly important during the visit was that the bishop wanted to meet people and serve us all by celebrating three Masses in the cathedral and, at the end of the weekend, another Mass in Porvoo. I attended all the Masses, took photos, and felt how Christ was once again tangibly present. Toward the end, the feeling grew stronger and erupted in great joy and gratitude. That is why I want to openly share my experiences and thoughts.
Broadcasting of the Mass in the Cathedral on Friday, February 13, 2026
Since photos could not be taken during the Mass, some of the events had to be staged. Thus, I was able to document Brother Marie-Augustin OP leading the choir singing on the loft from the lectern. The psalm really shone in that moment! Marketta Pylväskangas prepared for her reading with a positive mindset and a cheerful smile. The second reading went smoothly indeed during the recording, and Marketta’s vocal delivery was beautiful and calm. A few TV cameras also had to be shown, since it could not be helped.
The bishop celebrated the Mass, explaining that it was a Mass of thanksgiving. We can witness this through the eyes of a TV viewer on Yle 1 on Sunday, February 22, 2026, at 10:00.
Mass with the Youth on Saturday, 14.2.2026
The bishop also had a meeting with the youth on his agenda, with about 45 participants. During the Mass associated with the meeting, the bishop was assisted by Fr. Marco Pasinato and Deacon Marko Pitkäniemi. There were an estimated over 70 people present, because despite the sunny winter weather, many had prioritized attending the Mass as their top choice. The guitar accompaniment suited the Mass excellently, since Deacon Marko was not at the organ this time. Instead, the organ loft was available for a nice angle for photography.
In his sermon, the bishop mentioned Baptism and its significance. After the youth Mass, and before the meetings with the Parish Council and the Financial Council with the bishop, I sat alone in the cathedral, praying and reflecting on what Baptism means to me. In Baptism, I was born into a new life in Christ; I too have become a temple of the Holy Spirit, and I have been incorporated into God’s family, that is, made a member of the Church. Through Baptism, I long ago also received another birthday. This birthday should be the more important one for every Catholic. It is worth recognizing every year.
I was baptized Lutheran at 3.5 months old on June 17. That’s a good date as, since it is summer, the Hietaniemi Cemetery is beautiful and green, and the sun always shines there when I bring flowers to the grave of my Lutheran baptismal pastor Ruben Sevonius.
After an hour of reflection, I realized that my gaze had settled on the large crucifix bathed in sunlight. My heart was also once again open and receptive.
High Mass on Sunday, 15.2.2026
Bishop Raimo introduced the Mass by explaining that a Canonical Visitation is not just an administrative and formal event, but a visible sign that we walk together as a Church. The visitation reminds us that we are not alone, but instead belong to a larger family united in Christ. This visit from the bishop is an invitation for all of us to witness our faithfulness to Jesus and His message of salvation.
The music during the Liturgy of the Eucharist, Edward Elgar’s Lux Aeterna, was moving. At the end of the Eucharist, Cantemus No. 262 “The Lord Is My Shepherd” was sung, based on the text of the beloved Psalm 23. We even sing it here with exactly the right melody. At that moment, my emotional response turned into a flow of tears.
The strong emotion evoked by the music during the Eucharist and the subsequent prayer was for me a profound religious experience, in which the presence of Christ, but also the Holy Spirit, was felt. Perhaps it was a sign that, in that moment, I opened myself completely to the effect of God’s grace.
Bishop Raimo clearly and honestly expresses the respect he feels for all of us. For him, synodality—walking together—is important, and he encourages all of us to trust that Jesus and our Mother Mary walk beside us when we open our hearts.
Bishop Raimo concluded the Mass and, at the same time, the Canonical Visitation of the cathedral, cheerfully announcing that the parish received a grade of 5 or 10 from the visitation, depending on the grading scale used. Maximum points, then!
Grand Finale: Mass in Porvoo on 15.2.2026
Was this the highlight of the bishop’s visitation and the Masses? I had never been to the Orthodox Church in Porvoo, but upon entering, I sensed a different world, quiet and somewhat mysterious. I calmed down, and even the speed limit on the Porvoo motorway, which I had felt was too low at 100 km/h, was forgotten.
For a few moments, I was almost alone, surrounded by the icons. I had entered a world I’m not used to, but whose atmosphere proved suitable even for a Catholic. The church gradually filled to its edges. Seats had even been placed in the cafeteria. The Mass included young people, many children, adorable toddlers. Yet the atmosphere was calm, and one could focus on the Mass with one’s whole heart. The first reading and the responsorial psalm were read by Sirkku Ketoja, enhancing the wonderful atmosphere. I was surprised when Father Jean Claude asked me to read the second reading. I accepted the task with joy and humility.
Here, they sang without accompaniment, but beautifully, audibly, and purely, without hesitation. I felt the sense of family, even though the only familiar faces were Sirkku and the Porvoo residents Rebecca and Johan sitting next to me, who had once been my catechumens but are now dear friends.
After the church coffee, I set off driving back toward Helsinki. This time, the motorway speed limit didn’t bother me. There was no rush anymore. It was just the time of sunset, and this winter was beautiful.
Faith had grown, hope had strengthened, and I had received more nourishment for the highest virtue: the ignition of true love.
Christel Monni