For the beatification of Blessed Mária Magdolna Bódi, a large group of cycling pilgrims set out on a three-day journey from Budapest to Veszprém. The participants of the #RideWithMagdi pilgrimage gathered in front of Budapest’s Kelenföld railway station. Nearly forty riders – young people, middle-aged, and even retirees – mounted their bikes to set off together toward Veszprém. Along the way, more pilgrims joined them in Székesfehérvár, so that by Friday evening they arrived together at the MagdiFest, and the following morning they rode ceremoniously to the site of the beatification.
The bicycle itself carried a symbolic meaning: Mária Magdolna Bódi often cycled around Balatonfűzfő and Litér, using it for her missionary journeys. The pilgrimage aimed to bring young people closer to Magdi. Organization was led by Róbert Brunner, who, with the support of the Archdiocese of Veszprém, mapped out a route spanning three dioceses. Participants came from many parts of the country: representatives of several dioceses and from Pannonhalma cycled together, accompanied by Basil Iváncsó, a Greek Catholic priest.
The young organizing team also prepared a spiritual program: at each stop there was time for prayer and reflection. The idea of the “theology of the bicycle” was particularly striking: the pedal symbolizes free will, the rear wheel the sacraments, and the handlebars faith, which gives direction to our lives. Just as no part of a bicycle can be missing, so too in life we cannot leave out faith and values.
The pilgrims followed the Budapest–Balaton cycle path, staying overnight in Székesfehérvár. The next day they arrived in Litér via Balatonfűzfő, where they paused at the site of Magdi’s martyrdom. From there, the younger participants continued on to Veszprém, while the older ones rode back toward Fűzfő.
Among the community were those who had already cycled to Rome on pilgrimage, as well as others who offered the effort of the journey in memory of personal and family sorrows. Moving testimonies were shared, such as that of the Vesztergom couple from Veszprém, who decided to complete the ride in place of their grandson, but also out of remembrance of their own mother’s wartime suffering. For them, it was an offering for Magdi’s purity and for the dignity of all women.
Many young people were deeply touched by Magdi’s example. Zita Szlovicsák – the same age as Magdi was at the time of her martyrdom – put it this way: “It is striking that in the Holy Year a Hungarian woman who was an avid cyclist is being beatified. What touched me most about Magdi was her determination toward God: nothing could divert her. This faith and perseverance also give direction to us today.”
Before setting off, the participants received T-shirts, wristbands, and even a small surprise – chocolate bars with the #RideWithMagdi inscription. With Father Basil Iváncsó’s blessing, the group set off, linking physical effort with spiritual deepening, riding together in community and following Magdi’s example toward Veszprém.
Source: Magyar Kurír