Author Miki Liukkonen talks about a nun and an Opus Dei priest

Author Miki Liukkonen discusses spiritual hermit life with Opus Dei priest Oskari Juurikkala. Femkanten Media Oy

In the series piloted by Miki Liukkonen, spirituality and hermit life are discussed today.

The writer goes to Lintula monastery in Heinäjoki to meet Nun Nektariawho has spent 20 years in the monastery.

Nektaria was about 50 years old when she entered the monastery. He has been married and has four children.

– I asked my priest if it was possible that such a divorced woman in her fifties could still go to a monastery. He answered simply that without anything else. Throughout the ages there have been different people in the monasteries, says Nektaria.

The episode also talks about a Catholic priest Oskari Juurikkalaa. He is the only Finnish-born Opus Dei priest.

Opus Dei is an autonomous organization under the Catholic Church. It received attention especially in the early 2000s writer by Dan Brown Da Vinci -kodi novel, which presented Opus Dei as secretive and suspicious.

Liukkonen asks Juurikkala if it is important in the shop to have a disciplined approach to life and be hard on yourself.

– It is part of the traditions of Opus Dei and also of Catholicism. For example, I sometimes sleep on the floor.

According to Juurikkala, refusing concrete comforts is valued. However, that is not the core issue.

– The basic thing in the spirit of Opus Dei is doing everyday things well and striving to live in the presence of God.

Liukkonen asks Juurikkala if she wears a lap belt and is it on now.

The thigh belt or cilice is a metal chain with short spikes. It is tied around the thigh with a ribbon.

– No, I usually don’t take it out, Juurikkala answers.

He says that the thigh belt hurts a little, but without causing wounds.

Juurikkala also says that she takes cold showers in the morning and consciously chooses unpleasant things on her dinner plate – for example olives.

– In a way, it refines the character and helps to strive away from excessive self-centeredness.

Miki Liukkonen, guest today on Teema & Fem at 21:00

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