The Hungarian Catholic Bishops' Conference (HCBC) held its winter ordinary plenary session between 03/12/2024 and 04/12/2024. The body of bishops gathered as customary at the Budapest headquarters of the Hungarian Catholic Bishops' Conference. Archbishop Michael W. Banach, Apostolic Nuncio to Hungary, also participated in the session.
The body of bishops thanked Tamás Tóth for his diligent, faithful service of over six years as Secretary of the HCBC, testifying to his love for the Church. At the same time, with effect from 03/12/2024, they elected Gábor Németh, the former office director of the HCBC Secretariat, as Secretary of the HCBC. In his place, Mihály Czapkó was elected office director, effective from 01/01/2025.
Archbishop György Udvardy of Veszprém reported on the preparations for the beatification of the Venerable Mária Magdolna Bódi. The beatification will take place on 26/04/2025 in Veszprém. On the eve of the beatification, the faithful are also invited to a common prayer. Registration for the common prayer, the beatification, and for volunteers will begin in January. All important information regarding the spiritual and organisational preparations for the event, as well as the life of Mária Magdolna Bódi, can be found on the bodimariamagdolna.hu website.
Bishop Zsolt Marton, in charge of family affairs, reported on the work carried out this year by the HCBC Family Committee and its future plans.
János Székely, Diocesan Bishop of Szombathely, reported on the current year's work of the Caritas in Veritate Committee and its future plans.
Bishop Kornél Fábry, responsible for youth, reported on the Forráspont youth event, the annual operations of the National Pastoral Institute, and his pastoral visit to North America.
The Conference confirmed that Bishop Kornél Fábry will be the delegate of the body at the 54th Eucharistic Congress to be held in Sydney in 2028.
The body of bishops appointed Tibor Görföl as editor-in-chief of the Catholic journal Vigília for another five years.
The Bishops' Conference approved the new Catholic Sacramental Records Regulation, which will come into force on 01/01/2026.
This year too, Catholic Caritas will organise its Advent programmes: the Advent aid programme titled 'Open Your Hearts!' to support families in need during the winter period and the holidays. This year, there are several ways to join the fundraising effort, which runs until the New Year: gift packages prepared for disadvantaged children are accepted at Caritas' national collection points as part of the 'Angel Bundle' gift collection campaign. On 08/12, Caritas will hold its solidarity day titled 'One Million Stars for the Poor'. On 11/12 at 7:30 PM, Caritas will organise a grand Christmas concert in St. Stephen's Basilica. The organisation will use all proceeds from the concert to support the development of children in need. The 'Open Your Hearts!' Christmas aid campaign can be supported by anyone through online donations on the www.karitasz.hu website, or by calling the 1356 donation line, with 500 forints per call.
The Ecumenical Week of Prayer will take place between 19/01/2025 and 26/01/2025. The opening worship service of the event in Budapest will be held in the Deák Square Evangelical Church, where Cardinal Péter Erdő, Primate and Archbishop of Esztergom-Budapest, will deliver a homily.
Source: HCBC Press Office
Öröm-hír Press Office/Diocese of Debrecen-Nyíregyháza