Dear visitor!
Our Mission is deeply rooted in Christian tradition and also highly spiritual. Not every word of the Scripture is literally true to us, but neither we consider the Bible merely man-made fiction.
Nothing on this site is meant to be authorative teaching, all views are offered for your consideration; you are free to choose what speaks to you and ignore the rest. Our English site mainly provides international resources for wide variety of spiritual practices.
Many resources refer to Catholic tradition, because of personal interests of the webmaster, but Catholicism understood as "universal", not as Roman Catholicism alone, especially since dogmatism and papal infallibility don't go hand in hand with our spiritual efforts. (Our webmaster has heartfelt relationship with the Liberal Catholic Church in Finland.) We are not so much interested in theories and speculations, but in practical exercises - Prayer and meditation techniques.
More precisely one could say we are "Evangelical Catholic": individual spiritual freedom (and thence responsibility!) instead of dogmas and rules, yet a respect for tradition and experiences of Saints and Mystics of all times, both in East and West - also outside the box of Christianity.
As you can see, our logo (cup with heart and rose) is not very original; in fact, it is universal symbolism, just like we draw from various traditions.
What we are not: A secret society for the few chosen ones, or official organization with hierarchical structure and set of rules. Neither we are church nor willing to take that role; we rather encourage people to find the religious community of their own, that suits their needs. We are not fundamentalists, nor charismatics.
Fact is, both Mystical Order of the White Rose website, and Scandinavian Skete of Mary Magdalene website, are each run by one single person only. There is no huge international network behind us. But we would like to connect with people...
Geographically located in Finland, we are always looking for partners wolrdwide, groups and individuals who - more or less - share our vision. We could exchange experiences and ideas, promote each other's work (Banner and/or link exchange) - and of course pray for each other. We are open for your proposals!
Myspace Quotes, God Quotes at WishAFriend.com
Unlike our "Mother Order", we are leaning more to Christianity, with a twist of universalism. And Magdalene is also live discussion and prayer group, meeting twice a month in Tampere, Finland, since September 2009. It is open for all, regardless of sexual orientation, among other things. Our activity is based upon the Christian Creeds, yet we don't discuss theology - we share our hearts and minds, and listen to one another - as well as God in the midst of us.
We meet on Wednesday night every other week at 6 p.m. local time. First hour is reserved for free discussion, with tea and biscuits. Then follows the "PowerHour": Scripture meditation and prayers. We place the Bible in the Centre, but we study it from personal perspective: what does the Word say to me, right now, using ancient method, Lectio Divina; It has been liked, and raised many insights among participants.
Prayers may vary according to people's wishes; anyone is permitted to pray aloud or ask for intercession, but it's voluntary. There is time for silence too. It is possible to receive anointing and laying on of hands. We may also use Rosary. And we are always willing to try something new.
Our meeting place is the Congregation of The Christian Community, since our founder is its active member (and openly Gay), but our aim is ecumenical, and we try to serve Christians from any denomination or none at all. For instance, we've had a Lutheran pastor as a contact person for cooperation.
It is precisely the spirit of the Christian Community - the Spirit of the Pentecost: Free from dogmas, respecting freedom of each individual. We don't make claims for the "one and only truth" - there is no such a thing even among Christians, who too often fiercely attack their fellowbelievers. In the very end, our ecumenism embraces even other Faiths that are founded on principles of peace and love.
If you visit or live in Tampere but don't speak Finnish, you are very welcome to join us anyway! Use Chapel/Prayer Request form to contact us, and we will give you specific details! Besides English, German and Swedish translation is available!
