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Richard C's avatar

The most northerly church in the world is probably the Lutheran church in Longyearbyen, while there are Catholic churches at Barrow, AK and Inuvik, NT.

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Edgar Beltrán's avatar

That's right! I forgot to ask about Alaska and Northern Canada. Oulu is still likely in the top 10.

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Brian Crane's avatar

Great report, thank you! A quick google search shows St. Michael's in Hammerfest Norway and St. Patrick's in Barrow Alaska both making the claim to be the northernmost Catholic Church in the world. At just over 71 degrees latitude it appears Barrow is very slightly more northern than Hammerfest at 70, but both are over 300 miles further north than Oulu at 65 degrees.

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Feb 7, 2024
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Sqplr's avatar

I was going to suggest he visit Antarctica next. I really enjoy hearing about these remote churches!

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Murdoch Macleod's avatar

Wikipedia puts Our Lady of Victory in Inuvik just north of 68 degrees.

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Bisbee's avatar

A beautiful article, once again. Thank you.

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William's avatar

Mr. Beltran, I truly love reading your articles, thank you for your witness to good, witty and thorough Catholic journalism!

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Sqplr's avatar

Yeah Edgar's articles are the best!

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Rienzi's avatar

I love exploring remote and far-flung parishes, churches, and chapels.

Will The Pillar bankroll me to do a series on churches located on remote islands across the world? The Chapel of Notre Dame de Vent in the French Southern Antarctic Islands? Or Saint Mary's Cathedral on the island nation of Tonga?

Don't worry JD, I'll send you an invoice.

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L. Loewenkamp's avatar

I love your reports from Finland! I feel like I am there on the ground, encountering these lovely people and being influenced by their deep faith.

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Nicholas Jagneaux's avatar

I understand you're wife's sentiments exactly: You've got me wanting to go to Finland, too!

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Emily's avatar

This was a pleasure to read. The Neocatechumenal Way is not understood very well and the story of the priests and these families with the image of the Northern lights and the little church are wonderful.

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Andrea's avatar

Thanks again. Look forward to your next installment!

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Nicole's avatar

I have really enjoyed this series. Thank you so much!

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Sqplr's avatar

Good article, I enjoyed despite not being a big fan of the Neocat Way myself. If it works for others fine, just not for me. I very much admire Bosco for overcoming his struggles with distance and language! Keep up the good work.

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Gracy 101's avatar

I have loved your reporting from Finland! Thanks to you and The Pillar for shedding light on the fullness of our Church throughout the world.

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Kevin's avatar

Wow what a story.

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Sue c's avatar

Wow! Just Wow! I seem to be orienting more and more Nordic . Thanking you for fanning this little flame in my heart. Rocky Mountain Sue

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DGR's avatar

When Church arrives in an ex nihilo situation and Christ Risen is announced, the Gospel takes hold. The Christian witness, through families, priests and catechesis, changes things. Glad to see the fruit of what Saint John Paul II envisioned, through the Neocatechumenal Way. Beautiful story that I couldn't stop. And yes, it seems the Way is quite misunderstood. Hopefully this will go far in opening minds. Nice work, Edgar.

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Kevin's avatar

What a wonderful story, catholic and Catholic at the same time.

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