Two parishioners from Tampere, Katri Malm and Little Sister Leila, share a few reflections on the course and atmosphere of the pastoral visitation in Tampere.
Bishop Raimo Goyarrola of Helsinki visited Holy Cross Parish in Tampere on March 14–15 as part of a pastoral visitation. During the two days there were many meetings, gatherings and liturgical celebrations. Despite the tight official schedule, the bishop remained very present and approachable throughout the visit.
The bishop met with the parish priests, the parish council and the finance council, as well as the Little Sisters of Jesus. He spoke with parish volunteers, visited the sick, and also met the parents of children and young people who are preparing for the sacraments. During the visit three Masses were celebrated.
Katri Malm describes the visit warmly: “Our friendly, straightforward and attentive bishop came to get to know our parish and our parishioners. During the two days there were many meetings, yet the bishop remained present and gentle. He spoke and listened – he was a good shepherd to us.”
The bishop asked parishioners to share what the parish needs. At the same time he noted that the rapidly growing parish clearly needs a larger church hall than the present one. He also reminded everyone that the Catholic Church is not made up of isolated groups but is a community: “We are the Catholic Church in Finland, and each of us is the Church where we live our everyday lives.”
On the Fourth Sunday of Lent, Laetare Sunday, a large number of parishioners came to the principal Mass. The spring sun shone on the people hurrying to church, and the church hall filled well in advance. The lack of space has already become familiar to the parish: many have to follow the Mass in the parish hall on the lower floor, where the liturgy can be watched via livestream.
The solemn liturgy moved many people. The bishop’s and priests’ rose-colored vestments brought a bright tone to the celebration, and the Gospel of the day told of the man born blind who, through the healing miracle of Jesus, was able to walk from darkness into light.
After Mass, parishioners gathered in different rooms for coffee. In the conversations, gratitude and joy over the shared celebration were often expressed.
Little Sister Leila describes the atmosphere among the parishioners: “Many said how wonderful it was to experience in a concrete way the family atmosphere of the great Catholic Church and to see the bishop as a shepherd among his flock. Someone rejoiced in the bishop’s humorous and relaxed style – he is easy to approach, he listens.”
The encounters during the visitation revealed both the joys of a rapidly growing parish and its many challenges. Holy Cross Parish has grown almost explosively in recent years, something that is particularly visible in the large attendance at Mass and in the limited space in the church.
Many especially remembered the bishop’s words: “The church building is important, but even more important is each one of you: you are the Church in everyday life.”
Holy Cross Parish received the pastoral visitation warmly, openly and with great joy.
Fides