[This online article includes sections omitted from the print edition due to space constraints.]
A Pilgrimage to St. Henry’s Cathedral Parish
November 22–24, 2024
The liturgical year is drawing to a close, and snow is falling. My friend and I walk over the Observatory Hill (Tähtitorninvuori) and arrive in good time for Friday evening adoration. It is a relief to sit down in the peaceful silence of the church and place my heavy bag on the floor. Fr. Joseph places the consecrated Eucharistic bread—the Body of Christ—in the monstrance. The scent of incense spreads from the altar throughout the church. The congregation kneels. In the stillness, we silently adore our Lord, praying and meditating in our hearts. The Lord touches our souls in the silence.
The bell rings. The evening Mass in honor of St. Cecilia, virgin and martyr, begins. The parish priest of St. Henry’s Cathedral, Fr. Jean Claude Kabeza, and the assistant priests, Fr. Joseph Dang and Fr. Amando Dee Di, wearing red chasubles, enter the sanctuary, accompanied by Deacon Marko Pitkäniemi and the altar servers. This is only possible at a weekday Mass, as on Sundays, the parish priests are expected to celebrate Mass in various locations. On the last Sunday of the liturgical year, the Solemnity of Christ the King of the Universe, Mass is celebrated seven times at St. Henry’s Cathedral, in addition to Masses in Kallio and Tikkurila.
Friday Evening Mass: The Lord Feeds and Revives the Weary
Fr. Joseph and Fr. Amando serve as assistant priests at St. Henry’s Parish, but they are also entrusted with the pastoral care of Vietnamese and Burmese Catholics living across Finland. I met Fr. Amando earlier this year in Jyväskylä before he was transferred to Helsinki. On three weekends each month, the assistant priests travel to minister to Catholic communities in Turku, Jyväskylä, Vaasa, Pietarsaari, Kuopio, Rovaniemi, and Savonlinna.
Fr. Joseph explains that there are so many Vietnamese Catholics in Finland that he teaches two introductory courses and 2–4 marriage preparation courses in Vietnamese each year. Additionally, he teaches in Finnish at the joint introductory course of St. Henry’s and St. Mary’s parishes. Priests at St. Henry’s travel extensively. Fr. Joseph sighs, saying, “Besides our spiritual duties, we three priests must also handle all the everyday household chores—cleaning, grocery shopping, laundry, cooking… everything, all with our own hands. In Vietnam, parishioners, especially women, would come to help the priests, but in Finland, this does not happen. Sometimes, it feels like there just isn’t enough time for everything.”
Amid such a demanding daily routine, one is reminded of the wise saying: When you are busy, spend even more time in prayer—the best prayer is the celebration of the Mass. Seeking help from Christ.
During the evening Mass, Fr. Jean Claude emphasizes the importance of nourishment—both for the body and the soul. The readings speak of the sweetness of God’s Word and the honey-like taste of the Lord’s Supper. When the time for the Eucharist arrives, I too receive our Lord. In that moment, every weary soul is refreshed and strengthened to face life’s challenges. From here, the journey in St. Henry’s Cathedral Parish continues.
My older brother’s family offers me a place to stay for the entire weekend. I travel back and forth between their home and the church using public transportation. Now, I am sitting on a tram with my friend, Merja Räsänen. She tells me about her long search for a spiritual home. Her journey began years ago with silent retreats, which awakened in her a deep longing for a regular prayer life.
Merja became interested in Carmelite spirituality through reading Stinissen and engaging with an ecumenical group of lay Carmelites. Yet, this did not fully satisfy her longing for a spiritual home. The depth of Carmelite spirituality sparked her interest in the Catholic Church as a whole. Years of attending the introductory course and getting to know Catholics eventually led her further along her spiritual path.
In September, she was received into full communion with the Catholic Church at St. Henry’s Cathedral. On that sunny Saturday, she was filled with great joy, and the feeling has only grown stronger since: “My faith is on a firmer foundation. I am not alone but belong to this Catholic family, with whom I can gather for the celebration of the Mass—even daily. St. Henry’s Parish is and truly feels like my home church.”
When she shares her story, Merja’s Lutheran friends have rejoiced with her. She has already made many new friends in the parish, joining both the women’s group and the senior group. Yet, what she cherishes most is the Mass, which unites us all in Christ as one body. As we part ways, we call out to each other: “See you at Mass on Sunday!”
Confirmation Instruction: Crying from Sorrow, Crying from Joy?
On Saturday morning, I return to St. Henry’s Church in a wintery atmosphere. The air smells of fresh snow, and the sun is shining as I step inside the parish hall, where confirmation instruction is underway. The catechists gather with 31 young people for the closing prayer. Fr. Marco Pasinato reads the parable of the prodigal son with great expression. He invites the young people to reflect: When do people cry? Out of despair and sorrow? Out of happiness and joy? Can a person cry for both joy and sorrow alike?
Catechists German Romera and Raquel Alvarez are originally from Murcia, Spain. They came to Finland as a missionary family following the Neocatechumenal Way, along with their two children. Missionary families remain open to God’s call and are ready to serve the Church wherever they are sent. For German and Raquel’s family, this has so far meant living among Finns. They reside in Vantaa and work as healthcare assistants in Helsinki. The former parish priest, Fr. Marino Trevisini, invited them, along with Fr. Marco Pasinato, to assist with confirmation instruction alongside the Ursuline Sisters.
Confirmation instruction lasts for one academic year and concludes with a summer confirmation camp. German and Raquel assist at these camps, where previously confirmed young people, known as “post-confirmation youth,” also participate. Some of these young people are very familiar to them, as German and Raquel have opened their home to them. On Friday evenings, a group of youth gathers at their home to study God’s Word. The interaction between generations is a living reality within the Church’s embrace. Both German and Raquel are second-generation “wayfarers” in the Neocatechumenal Way. They embraced this way of life over 30 years ago, when they were the same age as today’s confirmation students. For nearly half of that time, St. Henry’s Cathedral has been their home parish.
Sr. Eugenia Szwedo USJK, together with the parish priest, is responsible for confirmation and First Communion preparation in the parish. The sisters are a vital part of St. Henry’s Cathedral Parish. Their motherhouse is located in Pniewy, Poland, but in Finland, their convent is physically connected to the rectory of St. Henry’s. The superior of the sisters’ house, Sr. Malgorzata Grzeskowiak USJK, explains that the charism of their congregation is expressed through their helping hands, listening ears, prayerful hearts, and words of comfort for all those in need. Inspired by their founder, St. Ursula Ledóchowska, their primary calling is the education of children and young people. It is only natural that they are involved in sacramental preparation within the parish, as well as in religious education at schools and parishes and at children’s and youth camps. The sisters run St. Mary’s Kindergarten in connection with the parish, which allows them to establish strong ties with many local families. Although their house is adjacent to St. Henry’s Church, their teaching duties extend far beyond. Each month, the sisters travel to five different parishes within the diocese to provide catechesis.
At St. Henry’s Parish, the sisters assist in all areas where help is needed. And there is always a need: maintaining liturgical textiles, cleaning, decorating the church, preparing meals, visiting the lonely and the sick… The list goes on, but their most important task is to help those in need. Often, the sisters are easier to approach than a priest, making them an important link between parishioners and clergy. They also take care of one another and nurture their own spiritual lives. They maintain a regular prayer life in their chapel and are present at parish Masses daily. Encountering Christ in the Eucharist and in prayer is their source of life. Each year, they invite everyone to join them in prayer by organizing an Advent retreat at the Bridgettine Sisters’ convent in Turku. The sisters are always ready to share what they have and to walk alongside their neighbors in faith.
Bishop’s Mass: Christ, the Physician of Physicians
On this Saturday, confirmation instruction must end earlier than usual because the parish hall is needed by the Order of Malta. Under the leadership of Dame Marta Benjumea, volunteers prepare tables for a meal. A young doctor, Konrad Sopyllo, has traveled all the way from Seinäjoki to attend the event. His roots are in Poland, where he also studied medicine. He was invited to learn about the Order of Malta by its chaplain in Finland, Fr. Peter Gebara SCJ. The day’s program includes a lecture by Konrad on elderly health and the Lourdes pilgrimage.
Konrad explains that the spirituality of the Order of Malta is summed up in their motto: “Tuitio Fidei et Obsequium Pauperum”—nurturing faith, witnessing to faith, and protecting faith while serving the poor and the sick. Every year, they organize a Mass with the anointing of the sick in Turku and assist the sick on pilgrimage to the healing waters of Lourdes. This is the first time they have arranged such a Mass in Helsinki. In the fall, Konrad participated in the Lourdes pilgrimage, where he found that relationships with the sick became much more personal than in daily hospital work. It was a powerful reminder of the humility that a doctor must always carry in their profession. For the Holy Year 2025, the Knights of Malta worldwide have committed to continuously serve as assistants in Rome’s pilgrimage churches. Konrad has volunteered for duty in Rome this coming January. The Knights of Malta invite the sick and the poor to the true healer—Christ—through the Church’s sacraments of healing and strength.
During the Mass, Bishop Raimo speaks gently to the sick, reminding them: “Christ is the Physician of physicians, who cares for each of us with His skillful hand. We all need healing, whether of body, mind, or soul.” His words are moving and unexpected. I am struck by his reflection on the merciful power of purgatory, which cleanses all God’s children—some more, some less—before and after death. Suffering is unavoidable, but we can endure it if we face it with Christ.
All sick persons present are invited to come forward to receive the sacrament. About fifteen people step forward, some on their own, others assisted by knights, dames, or volunteers. They stand in a semi-circle as the bishop prays for each one individually, placing his hands on their heads in blessing. Then, he makes another round, this time anointing each person’s forehead and hands with sacred chrism, praying: “Through this holy anointing, may the Lord, in His mercy, help you with the grace of the Holy Spirit. Amen. May the Lord forgive you all your sins, save you, and raise you up. Amen.”
Saturday Evening Mass: Christ Among Us
Before the anticipated Sunday Mass, the Hungarian Catholic community gathers at St. Henry’s Cathedral. A visiting Hungarian priest celebrates a Mass in Hungarian, followed shortly by Sunday’s First Vespers, led by Deacon Marko Pitkäniemi OFS. Christina Ståhle is ready. She is one of the parish lectors, and her voice often resonates from the ambo, warming hearts with the Word of God. She speaks about the importance of dwelling in Scripture, growing in the knowledge of Christ alongside others. Over the years, she has participated in numerous Bible study groups, lectio divina sessions, lectures, and spiritual retreats. Just yesterday, after the Friday evening Mass, she hurried to a Bible study session to hear the wise words of Bishop Emeritus Teemu Sippo SCJ.
Listening to one another and engaging in dialogue is essential for us as Christians. After all, our Lord Christ commands us to love as He has loved us. When asked what St. Henry’s Parish means to her, Christina answers without hesitation: “It is a peaceful island of treasures in the midst of a stormy sea. The Mass celebrated here is a prayer I cannot live without. It is the greatest prayer.” On this island of peace, the Ursuline Sisters have been a great support to her with their approachable and compassionate presence. Their role in St. Henry’s Parish is invaluable. Christina also highlights the importance of priests as spiritual guides and confessors. She expresses her deep gratitude to the current parish priest, Fr. Jean Claude Kabeza, for his tireless willingness to listen to people, while also acknowledging former parish priests, Fr. Marco and Fr. Marino, with equal appreciation. A turning point in her faith journey was meeting the late assistant priest, Fr. Guy Barbier (1921–2011). In him, Christina found a true shepherd for her soul, whose gaze radiated Christ’s presence. “This same radiance shines in the eyes of all our priests,” she reflects.
The Vespers service transitions into the anticipated Sunday Mass for the Solemnity of Christ the King. In his homily, Fr. Jean Claude preaches: “Christ is the King of the whole world. He did not come to take us out of the world; rather, He brought the Kingdom of Heaven among us. The King of the Universe calls us to be a light in this world and to do good. He calls us to Himself, and through us, He calls others as well.” After partaking in the Liturgy of the Word, we prepare to receive Christ in the Eucharist—our sustenance on the journey to the Kingdom of Heaven. The words of Fr. Jean Claude and Christina inspire us to live in Christ’s peace, even amid the turbulence of the world.
The evening at the cathedral continues as Fr. Jean Claude and Bishop Raimo prepare to host an ecumenical prayer service. The church fills with people. Diocesan communications director Marko Tervaportti explains that this prayer service is dedicated to peace in Ukraine and in remembrance of the Holodomor. Marko is the longest-serving member of the diocesan curia, having worked under three bishops since 2001. He moves seamlessly between roles, often serving as a photographer and reporter at Masses. His many years as an altar server have given him an instinctive understanding of what, when, and where to capture in a liturgical setting. His desk is always filled with responsibilities and diverse tasks, which he takes on with joy—whether it be the Fides magazine, the diocesan website, liturgical booklets, or other materials.
Despite the support of graphic designer Petri Kovács, part-time communications secretary Anu Hamann, a team of volunteer writers, and publishing department head Katri Tenhunen, time is often in short supply. Marko participates in nearly all diocesan events. Still, he sighs: “The best Mass is when I can simply participate in prayer with my family or alone, in the silence of my heart—without any duties,” focusing solely on Christ’s Eucharistic presence. After all, he is one of the founding members of the Confraternity of the Blessed Sacrament, established over 20 years ago.
On Sunday morning, the first Mass is celebrated in English at 8:00 a.m., followed by another English Mass at 9:30 a.m., celebrated by Fr. Amando. The English-speaking community of the parish is so large that they cannot fit into the church at one time.
For Deacon Marko Pitkäniemi, the day also begins with these two Masses—serving as a deacon in the first and as cantor-organist in the second. He converted to Catholicism at 16 and became an altar server under the guidance of Msgr. Tuomo T. Vimpari at the age of 19, before Vimpari left for studies in Rome.
Since then, Marko has also become a Catholic religion teacher for Swedish-speaking students and has served as sacristan for 30 years. Over time, his duties gradually led him to the diaconate, and in June 2024, he was ordained as a permanent deacon. His daily tasks in St. Henry’s Parish have taken on new dimensions. He now officiates weddings, baptizes children, and presides over funerals for longtime parishioners, many of whom he has known for years. He spends his Sundays from morning to evening at the cathedral and never grows weary of it. How could anyone tire of the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ? Marko states: “St. Henry’s Church, with its parishioners and priests, is the best place in the world for me. It is my true home.” His spiritual identity is deeply rooted in Franciscan spirituality. Just as St. Francis of Assisi wholeheartedly embraced his brothers, Marko is deeply committed to the community of St. Henry’s Cathedral Parish.
High Mass: Awaiting the Prince of Peace from on High
As the High Mass begins, one of the parish’s senior members, Kaarina Koho, sits beside me. We have grown accustomed to hearing her clear and bright voice as a lector. The Mass is celebrated by the former parish priest, Fr. Marco Pasinato, who gladly returns to the parish whenever possible, despite his duties as rector of the diocesan missionary seminary.
During the proclamation of the Gospel, altar servers surround the Book of the Gospels with candles and incense. Among them is Marino Hommy, whom I first met last winter in Oulu. He is a lively young man, born and raised in Oulu, though his parents come from distant Iraq. In the fall of 2023, Marino began his studies at the missionary seminary in Kauniainen. There are currently 12 seminarians, half of whom are studying in Kauniainen while the others are either in Rome or on pastoral assignments in Africa. Seminarians participate in Mass daily, taking turns as altar servers and assistants at St. Henry’s liturgies.
The first altar server, Jens Carp, is responsible for the incense. He is one of seven men participating in the diocese’s new diaconate formation program. The bishop hopes that these men will become deacons to assist priests across the diocese. Jens was baptized in the Lutheran Church but was more drawn to Orthodoxy in his youth. Now, St. Henry’s Parish is his home, where he has eagerly sought to serve the Lord from the very beginning. Under the guidance of Fr. Marco Pasinato and Fr. Federico Spanò, he began as a lector and soon advanced to serving at the altar. He has also received instruction from Markku Koponen, a member of the diocesan liturgical committee and a Benedictine oblate.
In his homily, Fr. Marco reflects on how the last Sunday of the liturgical year mirrors the first. Both Sundays call us to wait: we await the birth of Jesus among us, and we await the King of the Universe coming from on high. At the same time, we await both the gentle and the just God. Fr. Marco encourages and comforts the congregation, reminding us that we are the beloved of Christ, the King of the Universe. He, the innocent One, was silently condemned by the world’s judgment, showing that the path of suffering and humility leads to the discovery of true love. In the crucified Christ, God’s love surpasses all human understanding. Just as Christ surrendered Himself to the will of the Father, so too can we, with trust, surrender to the will of the King of the Universe and walk fearlessly toward eternal life with Christ. In His infinite wisdom, God reveals the way of love. Only the love of the King of the Universe can grant us true peace in this restless world.
Before the Eucharist, we exchange the sign of peace in an act of reconciliation and love, greeting both familiar and unfamiliar faces in the crowded church. The peace of Christ creates gentle connections.
From the choir loft, the choir sings: Agnus Dei, qui tollis peccáta mundi… and we all join in. Soon, in one voice, we respond to the invitation to Communion: “Lord, I am not worthy that You should enter under my roof. Say but the word, and my soul shall be healed.” We approach the priests to receive the Blessed Sacrament: “The Body of Christ”—“Amen!”
Through the proclamation of the Word and the reception of the Eucharist, we walk the Christian path—a path of purification and enlightenment. Christ enters into us, renewing us by His grace. We are thus made more ready to meet one another with mercy in our daily lives, knowing that the Lord is with us. As the final notes of the Mass fade away, I am greeted by the friendly faces of Heikki and Eija-Liisa Aronpää. Heikki was received into the Catholic Church in 2015, and almost immediately, the then-parish priest, Fr. Marco, invited him to serve as a lector and soon trained him as an altar server. As he has grown older, Heikki has happily passed this duty on to younger members but remains willing to assist when needed. Within the diocese, he serves as a volunteer advisor on the property management team, which faces no shortage of challenges these days. He is also a Knight of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre, having been invited to join by the lieutenant, Pekka Lindholm. The duties of a knight suit Heikki well, given his dedication to service and his interest in history and culture. The mission of the Order is to provide both spiritual and material support to the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem in its work among Christians in the Holy Land. This includes social and educational initiatives, such as supporting Bethlehem University. In addition, the Order’s members are committed to fostering one another’s spiritual growth. Heikki has also contributed to the parish by writing for Sanctus Henricus, the parish magazine.
Eija-Liisa Aronpää, like her husband, is a devoted ecumenical Christian. She grew up in a family where Orthodox and Lutheran traditions coexisted. As a Lutheran, she serves both her local Lutheran parish and St. Henry’s Catholic Parish. She is always ready to respond when “Heavenly Father” calls her to assist others. Eija-Liisa listens, comforts, and gives her time to those in need. She delights in brightening others’ days with her baked goods and hand-knitted wool socks—whether for friends or strangers. She does it all with a warm, radiant smile, saying it is God’s prompting.
Just behind the Aronpääs, I spot Maria Ailio and Heikki Kymäläinen, a couple who were received into the Catholic Church just over five years ago. Maria recalls how, upon entering St. Henry’s for the first time, they immediately felt a deep certainty that they had found their spiritual home. They had been active Christians since their youth, participating in a Lutheran revival movement. Now, attending daily Mass has become the foundation of their new way of life. Heikki is a familiar face as a lector at both St. Henry’s and St. Mary’s parishes. On weekdays, he can be found in the church, where he volunteers as a caretaker, assisting with maintenance at the rectory, church, and courtyard. He is also responsible for guiding visitors on tours of St. Henry’s. He is amazed by how many Finns are interested in the Catholic Church. In 2024 alone, he has given tours to 130 groups. Heikki is also an enthusiastic participant in the men’s group at St. Mary’s Parish. This, in turn, inspired Maria Ailio and Sr. Barbara, an Ursuline Sister, to establish a joint women’s group for St. Henry’s and St. Mary’s parishes. The group provides a space for women to get to know one another and explore various aspects of Catholic life in Finland and around the world.
Among the regular attendees of the women’s group is Marisun Gajitos, originally from the Philippines. She resides at the Old Park Cultural Center, a residence for women affiliated with Opus Dei. The women of Old Park enrich Finnish Christian spiritual life by organizing retreats and seminars in both Finnish and Spanish, in Helsinki and Heinola. Marisun is also a lecturer in English at Hanken School of Economics. The spirituality of Opus Dei is centered on sanctifying daily life. Whether single or married, the call is to bear witness to Christ in the workplace and in ordinary life. Marisun also serves on the St. Henry’s Parish Council. All the women of Old Park assist with parish catechesis when needed, especially by providing instruction for those unable to attend the regular Monday introduction courses. The residence is home to nine women from seven different countries. Upon request, they also give presentations on spiritual topics at women’s group meetings. The residents attend Mass daily, which is possible in their private chapel, where Opus Dei priests celebrate Mass. They also assist at St. Henry’s by regularly offering Mass in English and Spanish.
After the High Mass, a long line forms outside the parish hall for coffee. In the queue, I am greeted by a cheerful Maika Vuori, the Lutheran pastor of Pitäjänmäki Parish. She shares that on Sundays, when she is free, she often chooses to attend Catholic Mass with her Colombian partner, Jorge Hernández. “It is admirable and touching to see how devoutly Catholic priests celebrate Mass,” she remarks. She is accompanied by Tiina Antturi, who was received into the Catholic Church only a few months ago. Tiina shares that she had felt drawn to Catholic spirituality for years. The journey had been long and filled with many phases. Now, after just a short time as a Catholic, she has realized that the Mass has become the center of her life. “I’ve always been deeply religious, but I never imagined I would become so dependent on the Mass,” she says. “Earthly worries diminish, and heavenly joy brings peace, guiding me forward as a pilgrim of hope.”
Italian-language Mass: Christ is Not a Theory
I arrive at the cathedral just as the Italian-language Mass is beginning. Bishop Raimo takes his seat at the episcopal chair of the cathedral, the same chair he sat in for the first time a year ago. Pope Francis has entrusted him with the pastoral care of the Diocese of Helsinki, and only the current bishop of the diocese may sit in this seat. From this chair, the bishop preaches at the most significant liturgical celebrations of the year, including Christmas Eve and Easter Vigil. During Holy Week, all the priests of the diocese gather in the cathedral to pledge their obedience to the bishop and to receive his encouragement to serve the Lord with joy.
Bishop Raimo sees himself as the father of the Catholic family in Finland, and a father cannot exist without his children. He wishes to be in dialogue with all believers because, just as the faithful need their bishop, the bishop needs his faithful. Together, they journey in prayer toward their eternal home in heaven. On this Sunday, Bishop Raimo calls us to look at the living Son of God. In his homily, he teaches: “Jesus is not a book. He is a living person. Christ is not a theory. He is the living Son of God who desires to encounter you, me, all of us. It is a great miracle and joy that the King of the Universe, Jesus Christ, is willing to enter into the lives of ordinary people and love us infinitely.”
After celebrating the fourth and ever-refreshing Mass of the day, I accept Diana Kaley’s invitation to the parish hall for Italian coffee and delicacies. Diana speaks fluent English, Swedish, Italian, and French, and she listens just as fluently in Finnish. She is an active figure in cultural life, and her influence can be seen both at St. Henry’s Parish and at the Studium Catholicum on Ritarikatu.
The contact person for the Italian-speaking community is Barbara Pastina. She recalls the days when her own children were small and the post-Mass coffee gatherings were lively and well-attended. She hopes that the younger generation will find their way to both the Mass and these social gatherings. Italians are enthusiastic about organizing communal celebrations after Mass. The occasion might be a bishop’s visit, but just as easily a couple’s silver wedding anniversary, a child’s First Communion, or a Confirmation celebration. Mediterranean people have a gift for bringing people together and know how to rejoice both in the liturgy and in fellowship.
Meanwhile, in the cathedral, Fr. Vitalii Pihii begins celebrating the Ukrainian liturgy. My own journey now takes me to the home of Lemmikki Louhimies, one of the writers for Sanctus Henricus. She has prepared a porcini risotto, the mushrooms gathered during an autumn foraging trip with the Ursuline Sisters. Before the meal, we say grace with the words: “Lord, bless our friendship.” A shared meal is always refreshing.
Evening Mass: In Baptism, God Calls His Children to Holiness
As Sunday draws to a close, a large congregation still gathers for the final Mass of the day. Dominican friar Marie-Augustin OP arrives from St. Olav’s House, known informally as Studium, to celebrate the liturgy. He is the prior of the Dominican convent and a regular assistant to St. Henry’s Parish. He is often seen at Sunday evening Masses, and he celebrates the parish’s French-language Masses in St. Olav’s Chapel, since the cathedral is so busy on Sundays. During the main Masses, he frequently leads the choir. Before the pandemic, Bishop Teemu asked him to establish a choir for the cathedral. The original plan was for a men’s choir, but it eventually developed into a mixed choir, now with a female majority. Friar Marie-Augustin’s musical talents have borne many beautiful fruits, both within the Catholic Church and in ecumenical circles, including recordings of Dominican hymns with Lutheran singers and the publication of a hymnal with musical notation for the brothers’ liturgical prayers. Perhaps his musicality has something to do with the fact that, almost miraculously, he has mastered the Finnish language in just six years. He attributes his linguistic skills not only to his talented teacher, Meiju Salonen, but also to the intercession of St. Dominic, the founder of his order, who prays for all his brothers to be able to preach to the people in their own tongues.
Friar Marie-Augustin prepares his homilies with great care, providing listeners with both historical insights and spiritual reflections. On this solemnity of Christ the King, he preaches: “In my baptism, God called me by name, called me to holiness, and declared me to be ‘a priest, a prophet, and a king,’ capable of living in this world as Christ did. Through baptism, I receive the grace to allow God to work within me and through me so that I may fulfill my responsibility in this world, to serve others. We are all kings, possessing the kingship of Christ. We are kings in Christ and in His name.”
After the Mass, he sends the faithful out to serve the Lord with joy in the coming week. Among those leaving with renewed enthusiasm are Pilvi Listo-Tervaportti, Raisa and Ville Annala, Risto Mantovani OFS, and Joona Korteniemi. Pilvi Listo-Tervaportti, a skilled harpsichordist and organist, says that Sunday evening Mass is often her only opportunity to attend, as she spends weekends earning her living as a musician. She frequently substitutes as an organist for Lutheran parishes in Helsinki. Fortunately, St. Henry’s Cathedral offers multiple Masses from Saturday evening through Sunday night, allowing her and her family to participate whenever possible.
Ville and Raisa Annala, who live in Järvenpää, are also regular attendees at St. Henry’s Sunday Masses, although they sometimes opt for a diaspora Mass closer to home. Both were raised in the Pentecostal movement, where charismatic spirituality played a significant role in their faith journey. Ville explains that Catholic liturgy, theology, and sacramental life have nourished them more and more over time. As they grow in their knowledge of Christ, they feel that the Holy Spirit has led them to the deep waters of the Catholic Church. Their radiant smiles confirm the joy of their spiritual journey.
Joona Korteniemi is often seen at St. Henry’s evening Masses, both on Sundays and weekdays. He also attends vigil Masses in Vaarala Chapel, where several Neocatechumenal Way communities gather regularly. Joona has found in the Vantaa community a place that supports his spiritual growth in a profound way. The community meets at least twice a week, and for Joona, a former Lutheran Laestadian preacher, it has opened up a new global perspective on what it means to be a Catholic Christian in a Church that transcends national boundaries. The Neocatechumenal Way welcomes all people and allows them to embrace their national identities while remaining united in faith. Members support one another through all stages of life, and it is common to see people of all ages attending the Saturday evening Masses.
One Saturday evening, I attended the Eucharist at Vaarala Chapel with Sirkku Ketoja, even though we are not part of the community. We were warmly welcomed and invited to join in the joyful celebration of the Lord’s Supper. During the readings, the homily emphasized the importance of discernment between good and evil. Fr. Marco Pasinato compared what St. John Chrysostom called the highest spiritual gift to the work of a gold prospector. Just as a prospector lets pure running water wash away the dirt to reveal shining gold, so too does the Lord cleanse us, gradually revealing His image within us, making us more like Him day by day. A young woman leading the prayers of the faithful also captured this sentiment when she prayed: “Lord, grant me the gift of discernment!”
Sirkku Ketoja shares how deeply moved she is by the powerful Mediterranean-style music of these liturgies. The sound of guitars, drums, and percussion, combined with rhythmic clapping, stirs the heart and compels the body to praise the Lord with its entire being. Sirkku lives in Porvoo with her husband, who works in shifts, and their three school-aged children. She longs to attend Mass every Sunday, but it is not always easy. Her path to the Eucharist sometimes leads to Vaarala, sometimes to Tikkurila, and sometimes to Porvoo. The desire to be in the Christian family is always present.
As I leave the final Mass of Christ the King Sunday, I walk alongside Risto Mantovani OFS. Risto, along with Marko Pitkäniemi, is one of the longest-standing Franciscan “lay brothers” in Finland. He is also a lifelong parishioner of St. Henry’s, having been baptized, confirmed, and married there. Over the years, he has participated in Juventus Catholica, the Catholic youth association, and remains actively involved in lectures, senior activities, and various ecumenical initiatives. Ever helpful and unfailingly courteous, Risto spreads cheer and gratitude wherever he goes, embodying the spirit of St. Francis’ Canticle of the Sun.
In Tikkurila: Christ’s Moment Is Always Now
At the same time as the principal Mass was being celebrated at St. Henry’s Cathedral, Fr. Jean Claude was offering Mass in Tikkurila. I was only able to attend a diaspora Mass at the Tikkurila school two weeks later. The gymnasium at Dickursby School is tall, white, and brightly lit. I am met by Juho Kyntäjä and his wife, Dorota, with their son, Luukas. Juho is a volunteer Catholic religion teacher, responsible for organizing diaspora Mass locations in the Vantaa region, and he has been entrusted with hosting the Mass in Tikkurila. Juho explains that around three thousand Catholics live in Vantaa. The celebration of diaspora Masses in the northern parts of the Helsinki region began in the 1990s. Over the years, the location has changed multiple times, from Lutheran and Orthodox churches in Järvenpää, Tikkurila, and Tapanila to the gymnasium of Dickursby School. Juho emphasizes that holding Mass in the morning is essential for the area’s predominantly Asian Catholic population, making it difficult to rent suitable church spaces.
Today, as we celebrate Mass in the Tikkurila diaspora community, the newly restored and gleaming white Notre Dame Cathedral is being inaugurated in Paris. The brightness and whiteness of the gymnasium bring to mind the radiant grandeur of Notre Dame. The light of Christ can fill any space. His presence can transform the small into something great in our hearts. Wherever God’s people gather, there is joy and peace! In his homily, Fr. Marco Pasinato reminds us that Christ descends from heaven eternally, in every moment. “Right now, He is ready to step into each of our lives. Christ’s moment is always now, now, now,” Fr. Marco emphasizes.
As the Mass ends, the white chairs are stacked away as quickly as they were set up. Since the school does not allow for post-Mass coffee gatherings, the most important thing is the Mass itself. Cäcilia Heino, cheerful and full of gratitude, is pleased to have a Mass close to home. Klaus Weber also finds Tikkurila more accessible than St. Henry’s or St. Mary’s. Both Klaus and Cäcilia are originally from Germany. Cäcilia shares that she also attends the German-language Masses at St. Mary’s Church. “It is so important to sing the hymns of one’s childhood in one’s native language,” she reflects. She has lived in Finland for over fifty years and speaks Finnish fluently. Klaus and Cäcilia are also connected by widowhood. Both have lost their Finnish spouses. It is comforting to come to Mass and spend a moment remembering their departed loved ones. In the liturgy, time fades away, and in this sacred now, the past and present are joined as we all reach toward the eternal joy of heaven.
In Kerava: From a Small Seed, a Tree Grows
Another week has passed, and I am on my way to the diaspora Masses of St. Henry’s Parish with Fr. Jean Claude. On the third Sunday of each month, Mass is celebrated in both Kerava and Porvoo. As we drive through the winter landscape, I recall how Fr. Jean Claude shares his journey to the priesthood in Finland in Danielle Miettinen’s book Isät (Päivä, 2021). For a man from Rwanda, Finland was an entirely unknown land, and its winter temperatures were familiar to him only from a freezer. He has since adapted to the cold—one only needs to dress properly—but the darkness of winter remains a greater challenge, one that even the brightness of summer cannot fully counterbalance. These are simply things to accept. As a parish priest, Fr. Jean Claude manages well, as he trusts his parishioners, with whom it is good to walk the Christian path and share responsibility for all aspects of parish life. “We are all members of the same body, each with an important role, guided by the Head, Christ Himself,” he reflects. Fr. Jean Claude has been appointed as the vicar general of the diocese for the next five years, meaning that, in addition to his pastoral duties, he assists the bishop in overseeing the entire diocese. His travels will no longer be limited to St. Henry’s diaspora locations but will extend across Finland, wherever the bishop may send him.
Fr. Jean Claude is also entrusted with shepherding the African Catholic Chaplaincy, whose English-language Mass has been celebrated for eight years. The initiative was launched by Bishop Teemu together with Fr. Leonard Wobilla, originally from Cameroon. One Sunday, I attended one of their Masses in Kallio Lutheran Church. At noon sharp, the liturgy began, and African hymns filled the high vaults of the church. The two-part melodies, sung repeatedly, set bodies in motion. Like a gentle wind or refreshing water, the songs made us light and free, lifting our souls to worship God in beauty. From start to finish, the Mass was a harmony of sound and movement. Fr. Dominique’s lengthy homily, like the hymns, was full of repetition. One phrase stood out, repeated many times: “Through baptism, we are called to do good.” The collection was not gathered in the pews; instead, parishioners walked forward to present their offerings before the altar. A flowing movement of people—it was beautiful to witness. Even more beautiful was the moment when we approached the Lord to receive Christ’s Body or a blessing.
After the Mass, the community coordinators shared that every Mass in Kallio is a celebration. Their everyday activities take place in St. Henry’s Parish facilities. The pastoral team includes Nigerian-born Michael Otogo and Oby Ikegwuono, Cameroon-born Nico Abongi, Ghanaian-born Joyce Gyasi Gyimah, and Rwandan-born Fr. Jean Claude Kabeza. God has allowed the sons and daughters of Africa to enrich our shared Christian life, even here in Finland.
With the African community on our minds, Fr. Jean Claude and I continue toward Kerava, where the local Catholic community began through the wishes of two Kerava-based families to have Mass celebrated in their town. The first Masses were held in a private home by Bishop Raimo when he was still a regular priest. As the congregation grew, the Mass was moved to Kerava’s Lutheran chapel, then to a parish hall, and finally to the main church itself. Everything starts small. A mustard seed grows into a tree where birds come to nest.
Outside the church, the Lutheran parishioners, who have just finished their own service, greet Fr. Jean Claude warmly. He shares that the Lutheran pastors of Kerava recently visited St. Henry’s Parish, a sign of mutual ecumenical hospitality growing over time. The church interior is tall, white, and bright—there is plenty of space for Kerava’s expanding Catholic community. At Mass, we pause in gratitude before the Word and the Eucharist, waiting for the coming of our Lord.
At the post-Mass coffee gathering, I meet Tommi Reinikainen, the diocesan financial officer, and his wife, Éva Reinikainen. Éva, originally from Transylvania, explains that Finland’s Hungarian Catholics are very active. At their request, the Hungarian Bishops’ Conference supports their cultural identity by sending priests to visit Finland. A Hungarian-language Mass is celebrated at St. Henry’s Cathedral on the third Saturday of each month. Éva holds a doctorate in philosophy and has also trained as a Catholic religion teacher. After settling in Finland, she initially worked as a substitute teacher in several Helsinki-area schools. Now, she has secured a permanent position as a Catholic religion teacher in the city of Espoo, a blessing for the entire diocese.
In Porvoo: True Joy Is Found in Giving
From Kerava, we continue to Porvoo for the second Mass of the day, held in the Orthodox Church of Christ’s Transfiguration once a month. Here, as in Kerava, Fr. Jean Claude proclaims the Gospel message that true joy is not in possessing but in sharing. “Real joy comes from receiving Christ and passing on His gift,” he reminds us. “Freely you have received; freely give, and do so with joy, for God loves those who give cheerfully.”
Around thirty people regularly gather for Mass here. One of the most faithful attendees is Anneli Oula, who has lived as a Catholic for over fifty years. She first encountered the Church in the 1960s through an ecumenical youth choir at St. Henry’s. The call of the faith grew stronger through the liturgy, and since 1971, she has been a parishioner. Anneli serves the community by organizing coffee gatherings for the Porvoo diaspora Mass and St. Henry’s senior group. She is also a familiar face to first communion children, assisting during catechism days and sacramental celebrations. The Ursuline Sisters are particularly grateful to Anneli for providing them with transportation when needed. Even the baked goods for Porvoo’s coffee gathering, prepared by Sr. Eugenia, travel here in Anneli’s car.
At the coffee tables, lively conversations fill the room, reflecting the deep significance of gathering as a faith community. It is Christ’s love that draws us together, nourishing us and inspiring us to care for one another.
Eeva-Vitikka Annala
Saint Henry’s Cathedral parish
Pyhän Henrikin aukio 1, 00140 Helsinki
Parish priest Jean Claude Kabeza
born in Ruanda, ordained in Helsinki, 2016.
Chaplain Joosef Tien Dung Dang
born in Vietnamista, ordained in the Diocese of Helsinki, 2011.
Chaplain Amando Dee Di
born in Burma, ordained in the Diocese of Laikow, Burma 1993.
Assisting priest Tuomas Nyyssölä
born in Evijärvi, ordained in the Diocese of Helsinki 2018.
Deacon Marko Pitkäniemi
born in Kotka – Pyhtää, ordained in Helsinki 2024.
Registered parishioners 5206
Internet: henrik.katolinen.fi
Other Locations:
Porvoo
Kristuksen kirkastumisen kirkko (ort.),
Vanha Helsingintie 2, 06100 Porvoo
.
.
Tikkurila
Dickursby skola, gym,
Urheilutie 2-4, 01370 Vantaa
.
Kerava
Keravan kirkko (ev.-lut.),
Papintie 6, 04250 Kerava