An American priest of Hungarian and Polish origin, his English bishop in the European Diocese in Brussels, an Anglican community in Budapest, and a joint ecumenical project with the Hungarian Jesuits to assist the refugees in the Transcarpathian region of Ukraine. Read further for the fruitful results of this most colourful combination.
Stephen Chow SJ was appointed a bishop of Hong Kong last year. In his interview Szilárd Szőnyi discussed the Chinese face of Christianity with him. The interview was made for the 2022 autumn issue of the quarterly magazine of the Hungarian Province of the Society of Jesus, titled M.I.N.D.
The termination of the Ignatius Year saw a new beginning as well in the Hungarian province. On the 31st of August, the official closing ceremony of the province did not take place in the Hungarian capital, Budapest, but in a tiny village called Székelybő/Beu in neighbouring Romania. In present day, there has long been a need for a house in the neighbourhood for prayers, retreats and other community events. After a search with the local parish priest, the Hungarian province has found a suitable house in Székelybő.
Dear Jesuits, dear Ignatian family, and all those close to the Ignatian spirituality! After last year’s similar initiative, we, the Hungarian Jesuits and their companions challenge you again to run with peace – and with Saint Ignatius for vocations. While doing so, you may pass through the four weeks of the 30-day-long Spiritual Exercises, what is more, experience togetherness with other provinces in the aftermath of our Jubilee Year.
As the Ignatian Year is drawing to its close, the Hungarian Jesuit Province presented a musical on the life of the founder of the Society of Jesus. The music was written by composer Márton Vizy, and the lyrics by Ágoston Dávid Tóth, renowned Hungarian authors of other similar plays. The musical was performed by the students of Fényi Gyula Jesuit High School in several Hungarian locations, then finally, on 28 July, it will be staged in Erkel Theatre in Budapest, affiliated to the Hungarian State Opera House with 1800 seats.
In the early days of the war in Ukraine, we called on our friends to be our partners in helping refugees. Hundreds of people responded, some with financial support, others with financial donation, accommodation or voluntary work. On behalf of the people in need, we thank you for your cooperation, the fruits of which are presented below, as of 21 March.
St Ignatius and Francis Xavier became the first Jesuit saints 400 years ago. Nowadays over 100 Jesuit cases are waiting for beatification or canonization. How to become a saint? Can people make miracles? What can we learn from martyrs and confessors? That's what we were talking about with the general postulator of the Society of Jesus, Father Pascual Cebollada SJ.
What heritage has the colonial past left behind? Where would he take Pope Francis? Are the ancient religions and beliefs compatible with Christianity? And how could Europe help his continent? Szilárd Szőnyi’s interview with Rigobert Kyungu Musenge SJ, Provincial for Central Africa Province.
