The Church of Saint James the Apostle in Lauttasaari was taken into use on Sunday, 10 August 2025, in what became a true popular celebration, as hundreds of Catholics filled their new church for the solemn pontifical Mass. Among the participants was also the association Pro Scandiae Populis, which brings together priest and religious order candidates from the Nordic countries and which, this year, held its meeting in Turku. This association has been supported for decades by the German organisation Ansgar-Werk. There were over 30 future priests and religious present. Altogether, it was estimated that more than 400 people attended the Mass. Not everyone could fit into the church itself, so the wall to the parish hall was opened.
At the start of the celebration, the parish priest of St Henry’s Cathedral Parish, Fr. Jean Claude Kabeza, together with Fr. Mauri Bravo, coordinator of St James’s Church, welcomed the bishop at the church door. The bishop then sprinkled holy water on the altar, the crucifix, and other objects. Shortly afterwards, the liturgical procession entered the church and the Mass began. The choir was conducted by Ann-Catrin Weckström, and Markku Mäkinen played the organ. The highlight of the Mass – besides the Gospel and the Eucharist, of course – was undoubtedly the moment after Communion when the bishop placed the Blessed Sacrament in the tabernacle. Thus, Christ’s real presence became permanent in this church.
Before the final blessing, greetings were heard from Kalle Kuusniemi, the parish priest of the Finnish-speaking evangelical lutheran parish in Lauttasaari, as well as Bishop Raimo’s fervent call and exhortation: The Church is growing, we need more priests – so, young people: respond courageously to God’s call! And all of you who attend church, or perhaps at least sometimes need the Church: the Church also needs you, all of us, for without our contribution, without our financial support, it is impossible to maintain churches. The Church of Saint James the Apostle is therefore in our hands and under our responsibility.
After the Mass there was church coffee, with many greetings and conversations exchanged. Thanks be to God.
The Catholic Church’s work in Lauttasaari has now gained a solid foothold. Let us take good care of it.
Marko Tervaportti