Catholics in Finland Extend an Open Invitation to all Catholics to Visit Stella Maris - Finland

The group of Catholics in Finland, comprised of 9000 members, is the smallest community in Europe in terms of the total percentage of inhabitants in the country.

The entire Finnish Catholic Church is formed as one Diocese of Helsinki, guided by the first Finnish Catholic Bishop HE Msgr. Teemu Sippo SCI.

Unlike other religious orders in Finland, the Catholic Church does not receive any governmental support through the Taxation system, hence, it is the poorest Catholic Diocese in Europe.  The Church of Finland depends on the generosity of the faithful and the donations from a German Catholic community.

Introduction to Stella Maris - Lohja

Stella Maris Catholic Retreat & Educational Center is located in Koisjärvi (Lohja) approximately 60 kms (36 miles) from the Center of Helsinki, on the banks of Lake Hiidenvesi, the second largest lake in South of Finland.

The collection of buildings centered on the Stella Maris Chapel is dedicated to Blessed Virgin Mary. The buildings offer accommodation during retreats, and ecumenical activity to educate the younger Catholics, as well as other Christian denominations, who are attracted by the peaceful tranquility and the beauty of the Finnish countryside.

Whilst the summer season offers fishing, boating, and lakeside saunas, the winter snow gives an opportunity for cross-country skiing.

The safe, secure, environmentally clean fresh air offers enviable surroundings to mainly Japanese, and Korean Catholics, as well as to the regular German & Russian Catholics visitors, who spend a few weeks annually in prayer & meditation.

Stella Maris welcomes long term residents, who may be offered Time Share opportunities to finance their own Finnish Wooden Cottage, jointly as Group Occupiers.

The operational running costs of Stella Maris is placing a heavy financial burden on the Diocese of Helsinki, due to an old heating system using oil, costing between €3000-4000/month.  This system should be ideally replaced by Ground Thermal Heating, which will cost about €35,000-; to install one unit. Stella Maris buildings need between 3 - 4 Ground Thermal Heating units installed.

For more details contact:  stephenlowefinland@yahoo.com