Exciting news is emerging from the Vatican! Pope Francis has taken a significant step in recognizing the Catholic presence in Estonia by elevating the Apostolic Administration of Estonia to a full diocese.
This marks a momentous occasion, as it establishes the first Catholic diocese in the Baltic nation.
Announcement and Appointments
On September 26, just as the pope began his apostolic journey to Luxembourg and Belgium, the Vatican made this important announcement.
The newly formed Diocese of Tallinn will cover the entire territory of Estonia and will report directly to the Holy See.
Philippe Jean-Charles Jourdan, the current apostolic administrator, has been appointed as the first bishop of this new diocese.
Jourdan, who is 64 and originally from France, has been a key figure in the Estonian Catholic community since 2005.
In a recent conversation with Omnes, he shared insights into the historical background of Catholicism in Estonia, emphasizing that the roots run deeper than the establishment of the apostolic administration in 1924.
“We have had a Catholic presence in Estonia since the 13th century,” he remarked.
A Rich History of Faith
Delving into the historical context, the official Church website in Estonia highlights that during the early 13th century, the region was conquered by the German Teutonic Order as part of the Livonian Crusade, making it one of the last areas in Europe to be Christianized.
Despite the long history, the latest census reveals that Catholics currently represent about 0.8% of Estonia’s population.
Jourdan noted a remarkable growth in the community over the past few decades, stating, “From five Estonian Catholics in the 1970s, we have grown more than a thousandfold today. It has been a great grace of God.”
Overcoming Challenges
Reflecting on the struggles faced during the Soviet occupation, Jourdan recounted the difficult times when many Catholics fled, were killed, or deported.
He poignantly recalled his predecessor, Archbishop Eduard Profittlich, who died in prison.
Despite these trials, the Catholic Church in Estonia endured, albeit through immense suffering for over 40 years.
Known as “Maarjamaa” or “Land of Mary,” Estonia has held onto this name despite its predominantly Lutheran heritage.
Jourdan explained, “For some reason, Our Lady has remained in the language even after the Reformation.”
He also noted the consecration of Estonia to Our Lady by Pope Innocent III, which positioned Estonia as the second country in the world to receive such a consecration.
Recognizing Growth and Maturity
The Holy See Press Office remarked that the establishment of the Diocese of Tallinn signifies the stability of the Catholic Church in Estonia.
It also acknowledges the pastoral and organizational maturity of the local Catholic community.
Marge-Marie Paas, the communications director of the new Diocese of Tallinn, shared her thoughts in a piece for Vatican News, stating that this elevation signifies the local church’s development of the necessary resources—human, material, and spiritual—to fully embrace the responsibilities of a diocese.
She added that this change recognizes the growth and significance of the Estonian Catholic community, further strengthening its spiritual and missionary outreach.
A Century of Catholic Presence
Originally founded by Pope Pius XI in 1924, the Apostolic Administration of Estonia has come a long way since its early days when the Catholic community consisted of only about 2,000 faithful.
This elevation to a diocese coincides with the centennial celebration of the Catholic Church in Estonia as an independent ecclesiastical jurisdiction.
As this new chapter unfolds, the Estonian Catholic community looks forward to embracing its responsibilities and continuing to grow in faith and spirit.
What lies ahead for this historic community remains to be seen, but the future certainly looks promising!