As the fulfillment of the Easter season, we celebrate Pentecost – the coming of the Holy Spirit, the birth of the Church, the beginning of witness. The Holy Spirit, who once strengthened the apostles, still comes upon us today: in the sacraments, in the community, and in self-giving love.
In the light of Pentecost, the day when Bódi Mária Magdolna received the sacrament of confirmation takes on special significance for us. This sacred rite was administered to her by Bishop Nándor Rott of Veszprém on April 26, 1931, in Kővágóörs. In this sacrament, Magdi – like every baptized person – received the gifts of the Holy Spirit, so that she might not only live her faith, but also boldly profess it.
Father Temesi describes this moment as follows:
“Soon after her First Communion came her Confirmation, also in Kővágóörs. She participated in the solemn ceremony with childlike joy. Many noticed this happy little girl with a radiant face, dressed in a pink dress.”
The “little girl in the pink dress” would later become a martyr and witness for Christ. The Holy Spirit who came upon her that day remained with her – in her prayers, in her acts of love, in her vow of purity, and in her unwavering faithfulness until death.
The fact that Magdi was filled with the Holy Spirit and lived according to the Spirit is proven by the fruits of the Spirit, which became visible and manifest in her life.
Prayer, fasting, night vigils, and other good deeds are merely means through which we may receive the Holy Spirit – and Magdi practiced these with fervent devotion.
When the Holy Spirit is present in a person’s heart, then all the fruits of the Spirit are also present in that person’s life.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Against such things there is no law.
And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.
If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.”
(Galatians 5:22–25)
The Holy Spirit of God expands and deepens us, and leads us toward a new dimension of life.
To live according to the Spirit means exactly this: I can rely on the growth that the Spirit brings.
This is why Magdi’s life could unfold so beautifully – because it was the Holy Spirit, dwelling in her heart, who made her great.
Pentecost is not only a liturgical celebration, but also a calling: to allow the Holy Spirit to dwell and work within us. Let us be as pure, open, and joyful as Magdi was on that special day.
Let us pray to the Holy Spirit:
COME, HOLY SPIRIT, GOD MOST HIGH,
pour down on us your fire and light!
Come, Father of the poor,
distribute your gifts among us!
Come, Light of hearts,
dearest Consoler,
beloved guest of the soul!
In our labor you are our rest,
in our inner struggle, refreshment,
in our sorrow, consolation.
O wondrous brightness, fill us,
penetrate us who believe in you,
reach deep into our very souls!