Cycling holds a special place in the story of Blessed Mária Magdolna Bódi. The young factory worker from Litér often travelled by bicycle between Balatonfűzfő and the surrounding villages, whether commuting to work, attending community events, or visiting loved ones. For her, the bicycle was more than just a means of transportation; it symbolized freedom, vitality, and a close connection to nature.
It is therefore no coincidence that this motif played an important role in the communications of the Archdiocese of Veszprém during the preparation for her beatification. Cycling pilgrimages, the bicycle awarded in the beatification raffle, and the various community initiatives connected to Magdi all remind us that faith often becomes visible along the roads of everyday life.
Perhaps this is why it is especially encouraging that employees of the Archdiocese of Veszprém have recently experienced for themselves what it is like to arrive at work on two wheels.
One of the most inspiring pieces of feedback came from a cycling tour of more than sixty kilometres that intentionally connected locations associated with the life of Mária Magdolna Bódi. The participant visited Litér and Balatonfűzfő while reflecting on Magdi’s life, faith, and courageous witness. On that day, the bicycle was not merely a sporting tool but also a means of pilgrimage.
The experiences of the first month show that an electric bicycle is not only a faster and more convenient way of travelling. It also helps people step away from the rush of everyday life, brings more physical activity and fresh air into daily routines, and offers an environmentally friendly alternative to car travel.
Several participants highlighted that their workday began more pleasantly from the moment they set off. Thanks to cycling, they arrived at work feeling more refreshed and energized than when travelling by car.
One employee reported that after using an e-bike, they were more inclined to go for walks or engage in other forms of exercise after work, as the daily activity had a positive impact on their overall well-being.
Others mentioned that cycling allowed them to rediscover parts of Veszprém and its surroundings that they had passed by countless times in a car without ever truly noticing.
Perhaps these experiences also remind us that, much like the example of Blessed Mária Magdolna Bódi, even our everyday journeys can have a spiritual dimension. The route to work, a short excursion, or a longer bicycle ride can become more than simple travel; it can be an opportunity for renewal, reflection, and the discovery of God’s created world.
Just as Magdi once travelled the roads of the Balaton Highlands on two wheels, more and more people today are discovering that cycling can simultaneously offer exercise, freedom, community, and joy.
In addition, through its e-bike initiative, the Archdiocese of Veszprém is also joining the Veszprém Sports Region 2026 program.