I was off early on Monday morning to Heathrow airport for a flight with Finnair to Helsinki where I am visiting the Schola Sancti Gregorii Magni.The Wikipedia article on the Roman Catholicism in Finland estimates the number of Catholics in Finland as about 7000 although local sources here indicate that it is probably nearer 10,000. Nevertheless, Finland is still the European country with the smallest proportion of Catholics. The majority of the population, about 84%, declare themselves to be Lutherans but the rate of practice is very low. Reading the page Churches and religions in Finland, I was astonished to find that it was only with the 1923 Freedom of Religion law that a Finn was officially allowed to be Catholic.
The whole of Finland is one diocese, centred on the Cathedral of St Henry in Helsinki. In recent years, the Society of the Sacred Heart from Poland have had a strong presence in Finland and the Bishop is Bishop Józef Wróbel SCJ. Here you can read his excellent sermon for Lent.
Yesterday evening I celebrated a low Mass at the Cathedral (pictured above); afterwards I gave a talk on the English Martyrs which generated much interest and some good questions. This evening, I am celebrating a Missa Cantata at the Cathedral and then joining the family of one of Marko Tervaportti for dinner. Fortunately, by doing some background reading beforehand, I was up to speed with some basic information about Finland and have been able to learn more during my brief visit. I do recommend a visit - although I will only be able to see a little of Helsinki, Finland is a beautiful country and most welcoming to visitors. Everybody seems to be able (and willing) to speak English although I am determined not to return home without a little of the language.
I have had time today to walk around central Helsinki and take some photos. I'll post a few more after I have had lunch.) As you may know, Lapland, in the northern part of Finland has many reindeer. I was very tempted by this offer of some sautéed:
8 comments:
You have eaten sauteed Rudolph!!?!
Next you'll be saying that you're partial to a bit of roast Bambi!
That isn't vanilla 'moose' on the menu, is it? My favourite!
As a guy who ate grilled lion one time in Chicago, I guess I can't complain about "eating Rudolph."
The lion was exceedingly tough and only worth its value in terms of the number of times I've gotten to get a reaction out of people when I tell them.
Actually, for dinner Father had Lamb and Pork Stew with rice and beans, and some (Finnish-) Russian Pasha...
And a very tasty stew it was too! (I had second helpings.) The excellent company and conversation was most enjoyable, not least because of the Finnish sense of humour which is very similar to the British.
And a very tasty stew it was too! (I had second helpings.) The excellent company and conversation was most enjoyable, not least because of the Finnish sense of humour which is very similar to the British.
As for roast bambi - I can only go by Marko's comment: "Yes, it is very good."
On a future visit I'd recommend a trip to Turku the old capital. It's well worth a visit. The cathedral has the tomb of a Scottish nobleman who, I seem to recall, lost his life exterminating Catholics in Finland, there's a very interesting Finish Orthodox Church, and you can stay with the Brigittine sisters in their convent!
In Florida, alligator appears on the menu. "Tough" would be an understatement. You can simply chew on it for several days or discreetly dispose of it in your napkin when no one is looking.
I've always wanted to visit Finland, so I'm enjoying this vicarious trip.
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