About Helsinki:
Located on the southern coast, Helsinki is the capitol of Finland and its largest city. with a population of 689,758. The Helsinki Metropolitan Area, which includes surrounding cities like Espoo and Vantaa, brings the population to approximately 1.4 million. This makes it the most populous urban area in Finland.
Catholic places of interest in Helsinki, Finland:
Church of the Assumption of Mary: Completed in 1954, this church serves one of Helsinki’s two Catholic parishes. It’s a significant worship site, reflecting the Church’s growth in the 20th century, particularly after Finland’s independence.
Saint Henry’s Cathedral: The heart of Finnish Catholicism, this cathedral, completed in 1860, is dedicated to St. Henry, Finland’s patron saint and first bishop, martyred in 1156. Built with support from Countess Leopoldina Cicogna, it’s modest in size but serves a diverse congregation from over 80 countries, with Masses in Finnish, English, Polish, and other languages. It houses St. Henry’s relics, moved here in 1998 from Turku’s Lutheran Cathedral. The adjacent Catholic Information Centre (Pyhän Henrikin aukio 1 B) offers resources.
Saint Mary’s Church: Located in the Meilahti neighborhood, this Roman Catholic parish, run by the Priests of the Sacred Heart, is a lively community hub. It hosts regular Masses and is known for its welcoming atmosphere, especially for international Catholics. Its proximity to cultural sites like the Helsinki Olympic Stadium makes it a convenient stop.