Ramus virens olivarum per columbam panditur …
The dove brings the olive branch of peace … (Cantemus 222, 221)
Saint Henry, pray for us!
On “Summer Henry’s Day,” June 15, 2025, a large group of pilgrims gathered for a solemn bishop’s Mass on Kirkkokari, the small island in Lake Köyliö.
The pilgrimage had already begun on Monday, June 9, from the Cathedral of Saint Mary and Saint Henry, that is, Turku Cathedral. The first to set out were pilgrims from the ecumenical Saint Henry’s Pilgrimage Association. Lea Purhonen, who was walking the route for the sixth time and served this year as both route coordinator and spiritual leader, reported that they journeyed from Turku via Rusko, Nousiainen, Mynämäki, Yläne and Säkylä to Kirkkokari in Köyliö, from Monday to Sunday. The total distance covered was over 120 km. Through varying weather, the group walked in prayer — both communally and privately — for God’s peace throughout the world.
In Yläne, the group grew as Catholics began their portion of the pilgrimage, shepherded by Bishop Raimo Goyarrola and Father Anders Hamberg. Twenty-seven Catholics joined the journey, strengthening the ecumenical core of 15 walkers. Father Anders has for several years coordinated the Catholic part of the pilgrimage to Köyliö. This year, he received significant support from volunteers, and the group grew — a promising sign for the future of the Saint Henry pilgrimage in Köyliö. The 30 km Saturday walk ended at Lalli School, from which the journey continued on Sunday morning with another 12 km along the Path of Saint Henry.
At midday on Sunday, the group of pilgrims was joined by a busload of participants from Helsinki, arriving for the festive Mass. By the final leg of the pilgrimage, the number of walkers had grown to nearly one hundred. The ferryman and boats carried load after load of Mass-goers to Kirkkokari under sunny skies.
The small island of Kirkkokari — a green oasis glimmering in the sunlight in the middle of the lake — became like a natural cathedral, not built by human hands but created by God. Its apse was the blue summer sky above the stone altar. A gentle summer breeze drove away the mosquitoes, and in the sweet warmth and brightness of summer, the people fell silent, awaiting the beginning of Mass. Bishop Raimo and his helpers prepared the Lord’s table in the forest cathedral, and the celebration could begin.
… Ergo plebs Fennonica, gaude de hoc dono quod facta es catholica verbi Dei sono.
… Therefore, people of Finland, rejoice in this gift: that by the grace of God’s Word, you have been made Catholic. (Cantemus 222, 221)
Sancte Henrice, ora pro nobis.
Eva Vitikka-Annala