Seili (Själö) island church

This Sunday's church is a tiny temple in Turku archipelago. The name of the island is Seili, in Swedish Själö. In English it is Soul Island, although the Swedish word "själ" is not only "a soul", but also "a seal" in local dialaect.

Lepers were banished in Seili in 17th century. The church was built for them and Holy Eucharist was given to the lepers with a long stick that is still left there in the church.

When leprosy disappeared in the 18th century, mentaly ill people were sent to Seili. The only cure for them was water and Word of God. There was a psychiatric "hospital" in Seili until 1962.