HIS-Press-Service, 1980 (5. évfolyam, 16-18. szám)
1980-06-01 / 17. szám
HIS Press Service No.17, June 1980 Page 6 children in the format of a series of articles. In 1979, "Uj Ember" introduced a catechetical page which alternately offers special catechetical articles for children, adolescents, and adults. The above-mentioned Catholic press publications, however, are in no position to satisfy the needs of Hungary's 6 1/2 million Catholics. They nevertheless do constitute a framework for promoting catechetical teaching in a more effective manner than was formerly the case. Pilgrimages are enjoying increased popularity in Hungary. Approximately 15 of the country's pilgrim shrines are so well-frequented that on the feasts of the given saints crowds of 8-10,000, and sometimes even more, often flock to the shrine. The country's additional 40-50 less well known pilgrim shrines are also often frequented by many of the Hungarian faithful. The positive attitude of so many of the country's Catholics toward pilgrimaging is also encouraged by the Church. The Catholic weekly newspaper "Uj Ember," for example, regularly mentions the upcoming patronal feasts of the individual pilgrim shrines. Even today group pilgrimages are undertaken in their traditional form. Such shrines often serve as places for outings; within the framework of tourism, they function as points of interest. Gatherings, such as that of church choirs, also take place here. Most important, however, is that they constitute opportunities for the exercise of religion. It is very likely that, as a result of the suggestions and directives of the Pope, Hungarian priests will make increased use of pilgrimages for catechetical purposes. The third approach suggested by the Pope for the intensification of catechetical activity is that of religious groups (Bible groups, charity and prayer groups, Christian contemplation groups, and Church base groups) which seem suitable for the promotion of catechetical instruction. The Pope at the same time cautioned against possible abuses and referred in connection with this to Pope Paul Vi's apostolic letter "Evangelii Nuntiandi," which contains a list of characteristics which must necessarily be inherent to any group wishing to consider itself a Church group. Religious groups are quite popular among Hungary's Catholics; it can safely be assumed that several hundred of them are in existence at present. Generally, it is a group of friends who are involved. For a long time, such groups were subject to State prosecution with resulting trials and sentencings. Not until fall of 1978 did the State officially recognize the exclusively religious character of the small Church groups and relinquish the control of their activity to the Bishops Conference. The total number of persons belonging to such small groups, however, does not exceed several thousand, which is no more than one-thousandth of the total number of Catholics in Hungary (according to Church
