In August 2025, one hundred years had passed since the death of Father Leo Dehon, the founder of the Congregation of the Priests of the Sacred Heart of Jesus (Congregatio Sacerdotum a Sacro Corde Iesu, the Dehonians). The anniversary year was marked in many parts of the world, and a commemorative celebration was also held at Saint Mary’s Parish in Helsinki on 12 August.
Upon arriving at the church, visitors were greeted by the familiar scent of incense – and at the same time by a sight that has become increasingly familiar in Helsinki: the entire church was enveloped in scaffolding and protective coverings. Yet, through them, a safe and welcoming passage led into the church interior, where a festive atmosphere was already palpable.
The solemn Mass began at six o’clock in the evening, but those who wished were able to participate in Eucharistic adoration before the Mass. Adoration is an essential element of the spirituality of the Priests and lay members of the Sacred Heart, and it was fitting that it formed part of the jubilee programme as well – just as Father Dehon himself would surely have wished.
Although the celebration took place on a Tuesday, a good number of people were present. One of the highlights of the Mass was the homily preached by Bishop Raimo Goyarrola, dedicated to the memory of Father Leo Dehon, his influence on the Catholic Church in Finland, and the priests of the congregation who for decades served the Catholics of our country almost single-handedly. The homily vividly recalled how significant Dehon’s decision was to entrust the small Church in Finland to his congregation at the beginning of the twentieth century – and how their work also contributed to the development of the ecumenical movement in Finland.
After the Mass, the celebration continued in the parish hall, where the lay members of the Sacred Heart had organised refreshments and presentations on the life and spirituality of Leo Dehon. Although there were not enough seats for everyone, the engaging talks kept the audience attentive throughout.
The first presentation was given by Father Martti Savijoki SCJ, who explored Dehonian spirituality from the perspective of the priests and offered much food for thought. He was followed by Sinikka Meurman, who has been involved in lay apostolate work for decades. She spoke about the life of Leo Dehon and, in particular, about the profound influence of his mother on his spiritual formation – a moving reminder of the importance of parents as transmitters of faith.
At the conclusion of the event, participants were reminded that everyone interested in the spirituality of the Sacred Heart of Jesus is warmly welcome to the lay group meetings, which take place in the parish hall of Saint Mary’s Parish on the first Thursday of each month after the evening Mass.
As the celebrants departed into the August evening, many still carried with them the cherished Dehonian mottos:
ECCE VENIO – “Behold, I come,” and
ECCE ANCILLA – “Behold, I am the handmaid of the Lord.”
Leo Virtanen
Photos: Matti Andelin
The bishop’s homily can be read on the diocesan website.