Bishop Raimo’s Homily at the Requiem Mass for Father Frans – Thursday, 6 March 2025
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,
Today we have gathered to give thanks to God for the life of Father Frans and to pray for the repose of his soul. The words of the Gospel help us to understand his life more deeply: “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23). These words describe Father Frans’s life perfectly: he did not seek his own advantage, but was always ready to serve God and his neighbour in every situation. He was always available and willing to help.
Father Frans was born in the Netherlands and was ordained a priest in the Congregation of the Sacred Heart of Jesus. In 1965, he came to Finland in response to the call of Bishop Verschuren. From that moment on, he gave his whole life to the service of the Church in Finland. He did not ask where it would be easiest to serve – he went wherever he was needed most. He was a priest who did not wait for people to come to him, but went out to them, to where he was most urgently needed.
In Jyväskylä, Turku, Helsinki, Stella Maris and many other places, he carried out his priestly ministry. He travelled widely, even as far as Ivalo and Kittilä, to meet his parishioners. He was especially devoted to religious education, the development of liturgical life, and ecumenical relations. His desire and willingness to support the faithful were tireless. He met every person with love and understanding. He never placed himself above others but wished to be a servant to all.
Father Frans accepted one responsibility after another without hesitation. He served as chaplain, parish priest, religion teacher and even exorcist. He never turned his back when he was needed, but always said: “Here I am, Lord, send me.” His life bore witness to what it means to give oneself entirely and completely for God’s service.
In 2015, he returned to his homeland, the Netherlands. Although he was no longer physically present in Finland, his influence and legacy remain deeply engraved in our hearts. His teaching, his exemplary life, and his love for the Church and her people live on in us who were blessed to know him and walk part of the journey with him.
Since the announcement of my appointment as bishop, he wrote to me at least five times. Handwritten letters, filled with love and trust. He promised to pray for what I would need. His last letter arrived in January. Now it is our turn to pray for him.
Today we mourn Father Frans, but at the same time we pray in hope that he has returned to his heavenly Father. He made many journeys, met countless people, and faithfully proclaimed the Gospel. Now he has reached his final destination. In this Mass, we pray that he may hear the words of his Lord:\
“Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Lord” (Matthew 25:23).
Let us pray for him, and let us pray that we may follow his example: to live according to God’s will, ready to serve wherever the Lord leads us. We also pray that God may grant him eternal peace and glory in heaven.
Lord, receive your servant Father Frans into your heavenly home, and grant us the strength to continue in his footsteps – with love, faith, and tireless dedication to service. Father Frans, we thank you for your faithful service. Rest in the peace of the Lord. Amen.
And now, dear brothers and sisters, the words of Jesus speak not only to the life of Father Frans, but to each of us at the beginning of this Lenten season: “If any want to become my followers, let them deny themselves and take up their cross daily and follow me” (Luke 9:23). This is a personal call to every one of us. Whoever wants to be a disciple of Christ cannot remain in comfort, but must be ready to carry their cross – their own challenges, trials, and responsibilities – and follow the Lord with faithfulness.
Lent is a special time to pause and reflect on how we respond to this call. Are we able to let go of our selfish desires and open our hearts to God’s will? Are we ready to face life’s difficulties, trusting that Christ walks with us? Lent calls us to prayer, repentance, and love of neighbour. It calls us to grow in faith and deepen our relationship with God.
So today, following the example of Father Frans, let us receive this season of Lent with open hearts. May it be a time of spiritual renewal and growth, so that we may follow our Lord Jesus Christ ever more faithfully.
Loving Mother Mary and faithful father Joseph, pray for Father Frans, pray for us. Amen.