A home blessing brings loved ones together under the same roof
In the occasion of their grandchild's baptism, the home the couple had built together received the blessing of the church.
Johanna Väisälä and Markku Kohtamäki had built their shared home in a beautiful place along the Pajuluoma. Inside, they held the baptism of Johanna’s grandchild, and the celebration was accompanied by another important moment. The home designed and built by the couple received the blessing from the church.
”It was a really touching moment”, the couple says in unison.
Johanna had known about home blessings already for three decades. When her twin daughters were baptised, what at the time was their new home received the blessing as well. The idea came when Johanna and Markku started to build the shared home.
”I am really thankful that we got a new home for our family, and it is a very special place for us.”, tells Johanna.
A space for our loved ones
The design of the detached house in Pajuluoma (Seinäjoki) was born according to their own wishes. Johanna sketched the general layout on graph paper and delved into interior design, colours, and materials. Markku, who works as an electrical contractor, participated in the technical design and in the construction parts. The house bears both their marks.
They also wanted to have space for their loved ones. Their children and their families who live farther away can stay overnight in the bedrooms upstairs, and the large living room is big enough for the whole family to sit and enjoy the evening.
”There was the general idea that everybody was meant to fit here at the same time”, says Markku.
The blessing of the house came to mind already during the construction phase, but it was put on hold in the midst of everyday life. After living in the house for some time, Johanna wondered if the right moment had passed, but the christening of their grandchild provided a natural opportunity to make their shared wish a reality.
With no much preparation
With their loved ones present, the blessing of the house conveyed a simple message: here, you are welcome.
It is important to Johanna that every one of their children, grandchildren and guests feels welcome. To her, home means a place where you can be your own self. The feeling of home for Markku comes from the familiarity of daily life and the nice feelings that coming home gives.
Based on her own experience, Johanna encourages people to consider having their home blessed without any major preparations. It does not have to coincide with moving day or a large family celebration.
“It doesn’t even have to be a celebration at all. It can perfectly be a very small, intimate event”, Johanna says.
PICTURE: Matti Hautalahti
TEXT: Jaakko Jokela
TRANSLATION: Ennio Roberto Sapatiello
Home blessings
- A brief moment of prayer to give thanks for a new or old home and to ask for blessings for its residents
- The blessing ceremony may be led by a pastor, another church staff member, or a family member themselves
- The service includes opening music or hymns, introductory remarks, Bible readings, prayers, and actual words of blessing
- A blessing can be combined with, for example, a housewarming party, a baptism, or an informal get-together
Get in touch: Seinäjoki service office, 06 418 4901, seinajoki.virasto@evl.fi
