{"id":3352,"date":"2026-08-09T06:54:53","date_gmt":"2026-08-09T05:54:53","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bodimariamagdolna.hu\/?p=3352"},"modified":"2026-08-09T07:04:21","modified_gmt":"2026-08-09T06:04:21","slug":"the-courage-of-faith-celebrating-the-105th-anniversary-of-the-birth-of-blessed-maria-magdolna-bodi","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bodimariamagdolna.hu\/en\/the-courage-of-faith-celebrating-the-105th-anniversary-of-the-birth-of-blessed-maria-magdolna-bodi\/","title":{"rendered":"The Courage of Faith \u2013 Celebrating the 105th Anniversary of the Birth of Blessed M\u00e1ria Magdolna B\u00f3di"},"content":{"rendered":"

On 8 August, the 105th anniversary of the earthly birth of Blessed M\u00e1ria Magdolna B\u00f3di, the faithful gathered for a solemn Holy Mass at St Michael\u2019s Cathedral in Veszpr\u00e9m. The Mass was celebrated by Archbishop Dr Gy\u00f6rgy Udvardy.<\/p>\n

Blessed M\u00e1ria Magdolna B\u00f3di 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 Veszpr\u00e9m gathered in thanksgiving to give thanks, through the sacrifice of Christ, for Magdi\u2019s life, example and martyrdom.<\/p>\n

At the beginning of the Mass, Archbishop Dr Gy\u00f6rgy 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.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe 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,\u201d 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.<\/p>\n

At the beginning of his homily, Archbishop Gy\u00f6rgy 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?<\/strong> 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\u2019s 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?<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe 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. \u2018This 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\u2019 \u2013 and yet He draws near, and He is there,\u201d the Archbishop said.<\/p>\n

Recognising God\u2019s presence, however, requires faith.<\/p>\n

Archbishop Gy\u00f6rgy 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.<\/p>\n

\u201cJesus approaches us and always asks: Do you trust Me? Do you believe in Me? Step out! Be courageous!\u201d<\/p>\n

Through the example of the Apostle Peter, the Archbishop illustrated that faith is not merely a thought or a feeling. It requires a decision \u2013 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?<\/strong> It is in such decisions that faith becomes alive.<\/p>\n

\u201cI truly believe when I have the courage to do what Jesus asks of me,\u201d the Archbishop emphasised.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Magdi\u2019s Life: An Example of Courageous Decisions for Christ<\/h2>\n

It is precisely in this that Blessed M\u00e1ria Magdolna B\u00f3di offers us such a powerful example. Archbishop Gy\u00f6rgy Udvardy described Magdi\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

\u201cShe 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,\u201d the Archbishop stressed.<\/p>\n

Yet such courage also requires silence, for God often does not come through extraordinary signs.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo 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.\u201d<\/p>\n

At the conclusion of his homily, the Archbishop reminded the faithful that Magdi\u2019s life shows us in a tangible way what God is like, how He is present in human life, and how we can recognise Him:<\/p>\n

\u201cIn the silence of the soul and in the courageous decisions of faith.\u201d<\/strong><\/p>\n

Thanksgiving for a Life That Continues to Bear Fruit<\/h2>\n

In the Prayer of the Faithful, different aspects of the life and spirituality of Blessed M\u00e1ria Magdolna B\u00f3di were brought before the community.<\/p>\n

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\u2019s Providence in the events of our own lives.<\/p>\n

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\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n

\u201cHeavenly Father, in the life of Blessed M\u00e1ria 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,\u201d the community prayed.<\/p>\n

At the conclusion of the Mass, Archbishop Gy\u00f6rgy Udvardy recalled that the community had been able to celebrate the earthly birthday of Blessed M\u00e1ria Magdolna B\u00f3di through the sacrifice of Christ \u2013 the sacrifice that gives us life, faith and the hope of eternal life.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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\u2019s call wholeheartedly, serve Him with joy, and attain the blessedness promised to the pure of heart.<\/p>\n

The Celebration Continued Through the Language of Beauty<\/h2>\n

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\u2019s Cathedral.<\/p>\n

At the beginning of the concert, Archbishop Gy\u00f6rgy 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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Thus, the 105th anniversary of the birth of Blessed M\u00e1ria Magdolna B\u00f3di 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.<\/p>\n

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 M\u00e1ria Magdolna B\u00f3di throughout her life:<\/p>\n

to hear the call of Christ \u2013 and courageously take the next step.<\/strong><\/p>\n