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How to help the Catholic Church in Estonia?

Catholic Church in Estonia

At the beginning of the 13th century, Estonia was conquered by the German Teutonic Order during the Livonian Crusadeand thus was one of the last territories in Europe to be Christianized. However, some archaeological evidence suggests that Christianity was already known centuries prior to the conquest.

There were periods in history when the Church was oppressed, its activities were limited, or, even when the doors of the Church were shut by the authorities, but the sacred liturgical services did not cease during the centuries. In the Land of Mary, there have always been Catholic clerics taking care of Catholic souls.

Today, there are around 6500 Catholics in Estonia. There are several active Catholic organisations in Estonia, including the Prelature of Opus Dei, the Neocatechumenal Way community, and the Redemptoris Mater diocesan priestly seminary. In addition, the following orders have presences in Estonia: the Order of Dominican Brothers; the Order of the Most Holy Saviour of Saint Bridget; the Third Order of Saint Francis; the Congregation of Sisters of the Immaculate Conception of the Most Blessed Virgin Mary; and the Order of the Missionaries of Charity.

Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral in Tallinn

This impressive, pseudo-Gothic church with it neoclassical façade sits aside the ruins of the medieval Dominican monastery in Vene street in Old Town.

In fact, it is built on the foundation of what was once the monastery's refectory. When St. Catherine's monastery was closed after Reformation in 1524, the refectory was given to the town school. The local Roman Catholic parish obtained the rooms in 1799 and built the church between 1841 and 44. The church's neoclassical façade and two low, stumpy towers (architects E. Jacoby and F. de Vries) were added in 1924.

This beautiful cathedral host Holy Father Pope Francis in 2018 and is active church for Estonian catholics and for international students and quests.