The Hungarian Catholic Church announced a national pilgrimage to Rome on the first anniversary of Pope Francis' apostolic visit to Hungary last year – between 23/04/2024 and 25/04/2024. On the second day of the event, 24/04/2024, the principal celebrant and preacher of the Holy Mass celebrated at the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls was Archbishop György Udvardy of Veszprém, Vice-President of the Hungarian Catholic Bishops' Conference.
The following is the report by Béla Baranyai, a correspondent for Magyar Kurír.

Rome's second-largest basilica – which, at the time of its construction, lay outside the city walls, hence its name – was erected over the tomb of Saint Paul the Apostle, along the road leading to Ostia. The church visible today, whose predecessor burned down in 1823, was consecrated in 1854.

At the Holy Mass celebrated on the morning of Wednesday, 24/04/2024, approximately 1,500 Hungarian pilgrims participated from across the Carpathian Basin.
The liturgy was concelebrated by Cardinal Péter Erdő, Primate of Hungary; András Veres, Bishop of Győr and President of the Hungarian Catholic Bishops' Conference (HCBK); Archbishop Balázs Bábel of Kalocsa-Kecskemét; Archbishop Csaba Ternyák of Eger; Archbishop-Metropolitan Fülöp Kocsis of Hajdúdorog; other members of the episcopal body present, as well as priests who had come for the pilgrimage and spiritual directors accompanying the groups.

The homily was delivered by Archbishop György Udvardy of Veszprém, Vice-President of the HCBK.
“We have come to Rome in thanksgiving, to give thanks for the Holy Father’s visit,” Archbishop György Udvardy began his sermon.

The Scripture passages we have heard draw us into the life of the early Church. Jesus calls us to a new way of thinking: to conversion, to metanoia. In this, we recognise the working of the Holy Spirit. If Christ lives, He has proven true, and what He taught is true.

“But what must we do to perform things pleasing to God?” – the chief shepherd asked. – “Holy Mass is an encounter with the Risen One; it offers an opportunity to reflect on His life and teachings. We must recognise that He is true. We can say “Our Father” because the Father is merciful.”

If the Holy Spirit is within us, if we believe and embrace Jesus' teaching, which has power, which gives us courage and guides us, then we arrive at the radicality of 'yes' and 'no', at the capacity for initiative, which gives hope. In hope, we can encounter Jesus. On this path, the saints of the Church assist us, especially Saint Paul the Apostle.

Here before us is the conversion of Saint Paul the Apostle, his example of life, his election. He was called not by human, but by divine power, and this transformed his life, thus he became the Apostle to the Gentiles.

Paul proclaims the dignity of man, the creative power of cultures, which we can see in this basilica and everywhere in the world where Christianity has appeared.

The Gentile peoples also recognised the truth of Christ – thanks to Paul's missionary work. Paul says: “It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me” (Gal 2:20). “How good it is that we can now experience this in the community of the Church. The action of the Church is worthy of this, true and directed towards God” – highlighted the Archbishop of Veszprém.

Pope Francis also provided us with an “experience of the Church.” He spoke of the bridge that connects people, which calls for trust, for it shows, it proves, that we have reason to live. The gate – the Holy Father also spoke of this many times – is a boundary, but also an experience of belonging.

The communion of love also invites others – Pope Francis emphasised this too. But he also spoke several times about noble culture, one that springs from faith. This encounter also pointed to a religious strength characteristic of Central Europe. This includes the faith that shapes generations.

The Holy Father not only encouraged but also outlined concrete tasks. For example, when he met with the poor and those in need. “This is the task, the noble task of saving humanity” – highlighted Archbishop György Udvardy in his sermon.

Finally, he concluded his sermon thus:

“The pilgrimage is thanksgiving, for within us there is gratitude for redemption, for Jesus' teaching, for the working of the Holy Spirit, for joy and for hope.”

Source: Magyar Kurír
Photo: Zita Merényi
Béla Baranyai/Magyar Kurír

Joyful News Press Office/Diocese of Debrecen-Nyíregyháza