Welcome Maria

Statistics show that many people are moving to the Municipality of Ludvika, and that's why we think it's great to introduce some of them. One of them is Maria Hjortstorp.

Welcome to the Municipality of Ludvika, Maria Hjortstorp. What brought you here?

– I lived in central Stockholm for 30 years. My husband retired and I’m 61. We decided we wanted to try living in the countryside for my final working years. There was a position advertised as a hospital deacon, which is what I’ve worked as, and I thought this might suit me.
– I was met with such kindness and positivity during my job search. When I started reading about Ludvika, it said that for those who love nature with enchanted lakes and forests… I thought, “That suits me well – that speaks to me.”

Tell us a bit about yourself!

– I really enjoyed living in Stockholm! There’s a lot of hustle and bustle and so much going on. I’ve had the chance to experience that and now I want to rediscover other parts of Sweden.
– I’m a person whose greatest interest lies in existential questions – the intersection between philosophy, psychology and theology. But also in artistic expression – I paint myself.
– I’m passionate about pastoral care and the encounter with the individual, and I’ve devoted my working life to that. Working as a deacon is a real privilege. In the church, we have the advantage of being able to give people time. We are not an authority, not bound by the frameworks of official agencies.

What are your impressions of your new home municipality?

– People have been very welcoming. I like the hilly landscape in Bergslagen. I’m also glad that Ludvika is on the outskirts of Dalarna, rather than in the middle. Dalarna is a tourist region, so it’s nice to live on the edge of it. There are many interesting places to visit, much to see and discover, and that really stimulates me.
– I grew up with Dan Andersson and am very fond of his openness towards the spiritual. He writes with great integrity and with great care for people. That speaks to me very deeply.