On August 8, 2025, the earthly birthday of Mária Magdolna Bódi was commemorated not only in Veszprém but also in Szigliget.
This year’s remembrance was unique in that it was accompanied by an 80 km youth cycling pilgrimage. The participants gathered on Friday at the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in Balatonfűzfő, and after a short prayer and briefing, they set off at 8:30 a.m. towards Szigliget, following the Balatonfűzfő–Balatonakali–Köveskál–Kővágóőrs route. Along the way, they stopped at several points for short prayers and reflections.
Although announced primarily as a youth pilgrimage, the organizers were delighted to welcome several “long-standing young” participants as well. A total of 24 people completed the full route, the youngest being 11 years old and the oldest 80.
The pilgrimage also served as a good preparation for the two-day cycling pilgrimage starting on September 4, which will arrive in Veszprém from Budapest in time for the beatification on September 6.
In the Church of the Most Holy Name of Mary in Szigliget, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., times of reflection alternated with musical praise. The reflections focused on Magdi’s virtues—love of nature, determination/hope, resources/faith, creativity/love, joy, courage, martyrdom, and purity—accompanied by short prayers and stories from her life. The cycling pilgrims also joined the musical praise.
In his concluding words after the praise, Fr. Balázs Csernai told the participants that our earthly pilgrimage always moves forward in the hope of a fuller life. At her birth, Magdi received the gift of life, which she made full use of and offered entirely to God. Let us ask for her intercession so that we, too, may grow in the life given to us by Christ during our earthly journey.
