On 8 August, the 105th anniversary of the earthly birth of Blessed Mária Magdolna Bódi, the faithful gathered for a solemn Holy Mass at St Michael’s Cathedral in Veszprém. The Mass was celebrated by Archbishop Dr György Udvardy.
Blessed Mária Magdolna Bódi was born 105 years ago, on 8 August 1921, in Szigliget. This year, once again, on the anniversary of her earthly birth, the community of the Archdiocese of Veszprém gathered in thanksgiving to give thanks, through the sacrifice of Christ, for Magdi’s life, example and martyrdom.
At the beginning of the Mass, Archbishop Dr György Udvardy emphasised that this is a particularly important celebration for the Archdiocese. When we become aware of the gift of our own life, we also discover how much we owe to those who have gone before us and paved the way through their example, knowledge and love.
“We are especially grateful on this feast, on her birthday, that she was able to live her life in blessedness, and in doing so she offers teaching and an example to all of us,” the Archbishop said. He invited those present to give thanks for the Archdiocese, for its young people and for the decisions we make, for the Lord asks of us the courage of faith.
At the beginning of his homily, Archbishop György Udvardy posed three fundamental questions: What is God like? How is He present in my life, in human life? How can I recognise His presence? As he explained, these are questions that arise within us again and again, regardless of our age. We may often think that it would be easiest to recognise God’s presence through extraordinary signs or spectacular events. During difficult periods of our lives, however, another question may arise within us: Where is God? Why is He silent? Why does He seem so far away?
The Gospel account of Jesus walking on the water offers an answer to precisely these questions. The experience of the early Church shows us that Jesus is present in human life even when He does not come in the way we expect.
“He may approach us in an unexpected way. He may even come in a way that frightens us, even in a way that makes us think we are seeing a ghost. ‘This is not how He usually comes; this is not what I expected, this is not what I asked for, this is not how I wanted it’ – and yet He draws near, and He is there,” the Archbishop said.
Recognising God’s presence, however, requires faith.
Archbishop György Udvardy pointed out that Jesus calls us again and again to step beyond our familiar human ways of thinking and beyond the security to which we cling.
“Jesus approaches us and always asks: Do you trust Me? Do you believe in Me? Step out! Be courageous!”
Through the example of the Apostle Peter, the Archbishop illustrated that faith is not merely a thought or a feeling. It requires a decision – sometimes a step we would never consider ourselves capable of taking by our own strength. Are you able to forgive? Are you able to trust in Providence? Are you able to step beyond what you consider safe? It is in such decisions that faith becomes alive.
“I truly believe when I have the courage to do what Jesus asks of me,” the Archbishop emphasised.
He added that our faith cannot grow merely by reflecting upon faith itself. It requires decisions, acts of love, fraternal communion, the pursuit of holiness, and the courageous step that Christ asks us to take.
Magdi’s Life: An Example of Courageous Decisions for Christ
It is precisely in this that Blessed Mária Magdolna Bódi offers us such a powerful example. Archbishop György Udvardy described Magdi’s beatification as a great treasure and gift for the Archdiocese, while her person and the story of her life continue to teach us today. The virtues of her life point towards Christ, and the courage of faith revealed itself again and again in her decisions.
This was true not only in the final moments of her life that led to her martyrdom, but long before then. Amid poverty, repeated moves and increasingly limited opportunities, she was still able to make decisions rooted in Christ.
“She always courageously makes the decision for Christ, because she trusts the One who calls her. She trusts the One whose life she has come to know,” the Archbishop stressed.
Yet such courage also requires silence, for God often does not come through extraordinary signs.
“So very often He comes gently; so very often in the whisper of a soft breeze; so very often in the silence of the soul; and so very often in the courage of faith.”
At the conclusion of his homily, the Archbishop reminded the faithful that Magdi’s life shows us in a tangible way what God is like, how He is present in human life, and how we can recognise Him:
“In the silence of the soul and in the courageous decisions of faith.”
Thanksgiving for a Life That Continues to Bear Fruit
In the Prayer of the Faithful, different aspects of the life and spirituality of Blessed Mária Magdolna Bódi were brought before the community.
They gave thanks for her trust in God and prayed for those who nurture the faith of others; for her joyful smile, asking that we too might bring the Good News to those around us through our presence and our actions; and for her contemplative spirit and love of nature, that we might recognise God’s Providence in the events of our own lives.
They gave thanks for her resourcefulness, through which she always recognised the step that could be taken in any given situation; for her courage in responding to God’s call and remaining faithful to Him even to the shedding of her blood; and for her hope, with which she walked resolutely towards the heavenly feast.
“Heavenly Father, in the life of Blessed Mária Magdolna we contemplate the wonder of Your Providence. We give thanks for her birth, her life and her martyrdom. We ask You to lead us also along the path of holiness,” the community prayed.
At the conclusion of the Mass, Archbishop György Udvardy recalled that the community had been able to celebrate the earthly birthday of Blessed Mária Magdolna Bódi through the sacrifice of Christ – the sacrifice that gives us life, faith and the hope of eternal life.
Following the final blessing, the Archbishop, accompanied by the liturgical ministers, proceeded to the relic of Blessed Magdi placed at the altar of St Emeric, where he prayed together with the faithful.
In their prayer, they gave thanks that Magdi, while still young, experienced the joy of encountering Christ, proclaimed the Gospel with joy and courage, and lovingly served young people and workers. Through her intercession, the community prayed that they too might follow God’s call wholeheartedly, serve Him with joy, and attain the blessedness promised to the pure of heart.
The Celebration Continued Through the Language of Beauty
Following the liturgy, the celebration continued through the language of beauty. The evening proceeded with a concert by the Mendelssohn Chamber Orchestra in St Michael’s Cathedral.
At the beginning of the concert, Archbishop György Udvardy reflected that although the sacred liturgy is the highest expression of celebration, everything that touches the human person through beauty and artistic creation can become a continuation of that celebration.
A work of music composed centuries ago can speak anew in the present through the instruments, hearts and personalities of the musicians, opening the human soul to beauty and goodness.
Thus, the 105th anniversary of the birth of Blessed Mária Magdolna Bódi became more than a remembrance of an earthly life that began in Szigliget 105 years ago. It also became an invitation addressed to each of us.
An invitation to a faith that does not remain merely an idea. To a trust that dares to step beyond familiar security. To the silence in which we can recognise the gentle approach of God. And to the courage that accompanied Blessed Mária Magdolna Bódi throughout her life:
to hear the call of Christ – and courageously take the next step.
