The Secular Franciscan Order began its 77th year of activity in January 2025. During the spring term we held our traditional programme-based meetings, that is, study circles, in Saint Mary’s parish hall in Meilahti, Helsinki, on the second Tuesday of each month, with the exception of April, when we had a wonderful day of recollection led by Bishop Emeritus Teemu Sippo SCJ. We spent that day in the premises of the Cathedral Parish at Saint Henry’s Cathedral in Helsinki.
This spring the study circle programme included the following introductory presentations: in January Johannes Rein OFS continued his now almost traditional series on medieval Finland, speaking about the construction of churches in medieval Finland. At the February meeting we welcomed as our guest Fr. Marie-Augustin OP, who gave an interesting lecture entitled The Relationship between Two Mendicant Orders. In March our guest was Tea Laurila, who spoke to us about Saint Clare. In May Deacon Marko Pitkäniemi OFS gave a presentation on Blessed Ramon Llull. During the spring we also naturally held several internal community meetings, at which we discussed general matters and planned our future activities.
During the summer it has long been our custom to organise a joint excursion. This year we travelled to Turku. On a warm day in July we gathered in front of Turku Cathedral and first proceeded to the Casagrande House, located nearby on the banks of the River Aura. There Benito Casagrande delivered an excellent presentation on the Chapel of the Holy Spirit and its history over the centuries. The lecture was moving and memorable, and our community expresses its heartfelt thanks to Benito. A separate account of the event can be found on our website.
Afterwards we dined at restaurants along the River Aura and then returned to Turku Cathedral, where we were welcomed by Eeva-Kaisa Ahlamo, communications officer of the Cathedral Parish, and Tuomas Vaura, the parish’s international priest. A guided tour had been specially arranged for us, focusing on the cathedral’s Catholic era. The presentation was highly engaging and informative, and we thank the organisers warmly. Our community presented Benito Casagrande, Eeva-Kaisa Ahlamo and Tuomas Vaura with a small booklet and a tau cross as a token of appreciation. Photos from the excursion are included in the accompanying photo collage.
Autumn 2025 began once again with our programme-based study circle meetings, which are open to all interested participants. In September Marjatta Tarkoma OFS spoke to us about the life and thought of Albert Schweitzer. The presentation was very interesting. In October we celebrated the traditional Francis Days in Rauma together with the local Lutheran parish. On their side, the arrangements were admirably coordinated by Pastor Taneli Ala-Opas. The weekend, held on 11–12 October, included joint Masses and lectures, among them presentations by Dr. Pauli Annala and Fr. Michael Lasky OFM Conv. In November Johannes Rein OFS continued his series on medieval Catholic Finland with a lecture on the wall paintings of medieval Finnish churches. The December study circle focused on Our Lady of Guadalupe, an important saint for Latin America. During the autumn we also held our internal planning meetings.
All in all, this 77th year of activity has been diverse and eventful. At present our Secular Franciscan community in Finland consists of seven members and one novice. Geographically, most of our members live in the Helsinki metropolitan area, with a few residing in Turku. There are also several people interested in our community, which is a source of joy. All interested persons are warmly welcome to join our open Tuesday meetings. Do come and get to know us!
Johannes Rein OFS
Caption: OFS members Risto, Marjatta and Marko planning future activities in the Henry meeting room; on the right, a study circle gathering in Saint Mary’s parish hall.