On Friday evening, August 8, at the St. Michael’s Cathedral Basilica, Archbishop Dr. György Udvardy celebrated a solemn Mass marking the 104th anniversary of the earthly birth of Blessed-to-be Mária Magdolna Bódi. Those present not only recalled Magdi’s exemplary life, but also prepared in spirit for her beatification, to be held in Veszprém on September 6.
The occasion coincided with the liturgical memorial of Saint Dominic. In his greeting, the Archbishop emphasized that throughout the history of the Church, the Lord has always provided authentic teachers who, with clear teaching and the renewal of spiritual life, have guided the faithful and strengthened them on the path of faith.
In his homily, Archbishop Udvardy, reflecting on the day’s Scripture readings and the Gospel, underlined that life is a gift from God—unique, to be offered and given for others—just as Jesus willingly gave His life for humanity. He pointed out that those who follow Jesus allow His commandments to become life within them, expressed in love, purity, obedience, and poverty.
The life of Mária Magdolna Bódi was a faithful embodiment of this teaching of Christ. Born into poverty, she often moved with her family, had limited educational opportunities, and could not enter religious life. Yet these limitations did not confine her; on the contrary, they broadened her freedom for doing good and made her open to the dynamic guidance of the Holy Spirit. Magdi accepted the difficulties of her life, offering them for the sake of youth—deliberately, and in imitation of Christ. She sealed her purity and fidelity with her death, in the hope of eternal life.
The Archbishop called on the faithful to look upon their lives, inspired by Mária Magdolna Bódi’s example, as gifts worthy of being offered to God and to others, finding their fullness in acts of love.
An evening concert in celebration
After the Mass, a festive concert followed, featuring the Mendelssohn Chamber Orchestra and the St. Michael’s Chamber Choir, conducted by Péter Kováts. In his opening words, the Archbishop noted that when we celebrate someone’s birthday, we wish to make it timeless—and that art, especially music, can lead us to marvel at the mystery of God and draw us closer to Him.
In his introduction, choir director Pál Vikman stressed that the aim of the concert was to awaken compassion, devotion to God, admiration, and even a sharing in Christ’s suffering within the listeners. The musical highlight of the evening was Mozart’s Ave verum corpus and a Magnificat, performed with the choir, offering a profound spiritual experience to those present.
The celebration of Mária Magdolna Bódi’s birth was not merely a notable anniversary—it was a deeply spiritual, communal preparation for the great day of her beatification. This birthday reminded us that life is a unique and unrepeatable gift, which finds its fulfillment when—like Magdi—we dare to give ourselves for Christ and for others. Such a life is never lost, but continues to shine in the light of eternal life, to the glory of God and for the good of all.
