Nearly thirty pilgrims – representing three generations, from the youngest at 14 to the eldest at 82 – set out by bicycle from Balatonfüred to Litér, visiting the places connected to the life and memory of Blessed Mária Magdolna Bódi, and finally arriving in Veszprém to take part in the Magdi Celebration.
The journey was not only a physical challenge but also a spiritual pilgrimage, evoking Magdi’s purity, faith, and courage.
The pilgrims gathered at the Balatonfüred train station, where after a short orientation, T-shirt distribution, and a joint prayer, they began their journey.
Before setting off, everyone tasted the “Magdi bread,” baked by two young people especially for this occasion.
The bread was decorated with symbols representing Magdi’s virtues – a heart, a lily, a crown, and a cross – symbolizing love, purity, and fidelity to God.
Another loaf was carried all the way to Veszprém, to be presented to Archbishop György Udvardy at the end of the festive Mass, as a symbol of gratitude and community.
Upon reaching Balatonfűzfő, the cyclists joined the closing moments of the procession.
The younger participants, cycling with more energy, arrived earlier, while the elder ones joined toward the end.
As the church bells began to ring, the bicycle bells answered in joyful harmony.
After the procession, Father Norbert Laposa blessed the pilgrims with Magdi’s relic, creating a profound and silent moment of unity among all present.
After lunch, the group continued to Litér, the site of Magdi’s martyrdom.
Each pilgrim had picked up a stone in Balatonfűzfő, which they laid down upon reaching Litér – a gesture of reverence for Magdi’s sacrifice.
Father Balázs Csernai spoke about the meaning of martyrdom in everyday life, bringing Magdi’s example close to the hearts of today’s believers.
The pilgrims then cycled on to Veszprém, where they took part in a one-hour guided tour of the historic castle district, learning about the renewed sacred spaces and their spiritual significance.
Before the Mass, Archbishop György Udvardy spoke with the young participants about the symbolism of the Magdi bread – community, sharing, and the love that gives itself for others.
At the conclusion of the festive Mass, two young pilgrims presented the bread to the Archbishop.
Several of the cyclists had already joined the Eucharistic Adoration in Balatonfűzfő the evening before, thus living nearly 24 hours immersed in the spirit of Magdi – in faith, unity, and gratitude.
The Cycle with Magdi! pilgrimage was one of the most vibrant and heartfelt moments of the Magdi Celebration – an event that united movement, prayer, community, and thanksgiving.
“Sweet Jesus, I promise that the seed sown will bear abundant fruit.”
This was the phrase that accompanied the pilgrims throughout their journey – and became the message of the day itself: life born of sacrifice, the courage of purity, and the joy of faith.
