You’ve probably all heard of this island in the North Atlantic, east of Canada. Greenland means “green country” but the country is not green at all. It is covered with ice and is green in name only. The island rarely is visited by anyone. For me, too, going to Greenland was only a dream a few years ago, but it has become a reality.
I first set foot in Greenland in 2018, and have returned every year since. The reason I go is not for a holiday, but to provide pastoral care for Catholics up there in the far north. The Diocese of Copenhagen, Denmark is the third largest diocese in the world because it includes Greenland. The Kristi Konge Kirke parish was founded in Greenland’s capital city Nuuk, in 1958. The parish serves Catholics from Nuuk and surrounding towns. There are about 150 parishioners. Most of them are from the Philippines and moved to Greenland in search of a better life.
Every Sunday, there is a Mass in English in the chapel. Additionally, a Mass is offered in Danish on the first Sunday of the month. Despite the small number of parishioners, I always admire their care for the parish and their beautifully prepared services. Above all, I enjoy their gatherings after Mass, when we sit together over coffee, tea and Filipino dishes.
Every year, I decide to visit this place of grace and peace where I can rest my body and soul. At the same time, it gives me a chance to reflect deeply on my spiritual life. This is a time when I can truly step away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
I would say that this has been an exciting adventure, where God and man come together in the world of light and darkness. I am immensely grateful to God for these wonderful visits, which let me experience the hidden beauty of this largest, ice-covered island in the world.
Friar Tomaž MAJCEN belongs to the Province of St. Joseph in Slovenia. Since February 1, 2017, he has been a member of the Conventual Franciscan Mission in Denmark, which belongs to the Province of St. Jerome in Croatia. Friar Tomaž was born on November 24, 1974, in Ptuj, Slovenia. He made his simple profession on September 7, 1996, his solemn profession on October 7, 2000, and was ordained to the priesthood on June 29, 2001.
Friar Tomaž MAJCEN, Missionary in Denmark
