HIS-Press-Service, 1980 (5. évfolyam, 16-18. szám)
1980-11-01 / 18. szám
Lêkai, that the Hungarian Bishops Conference too concern itself with the erection of a Hungarian Chapel in Rome and appeal to the Pope in this matter in the name of all Hungarians throughout the world. Pope Paul VI approved a place for this project in the vicinity of the former *-r ~ pilgrim house. After his death, the Church authorities responsible for the matter decided that the space remaining behind the grave of the pope who had granted the request (i.e., Paul VI) should be used for the construction of the -Hungarian Chapel. Hungarian material was used for its construction, and Hungarian artisans made the life-size bronze statues of the Madonna - the Magna Domina Hungarorum - and St. Stephen (both of which were designed by the sculptor, Imre Varga) and the 19 reliefs on the chapel's side walls. The latter are stone-hewn scenes of persons in the history of Hungary's Church who are honored as saints, or blessed, of their homeland by the Hungarians. An elliptically-formedrelief scene was created by the Hungarian artist, Amerigo Tot, who lives in Rome. In it, he depicts Popes Silvester II, Calixtus IV, Paul VI, and'dohn Paul II - popes who played an important role in the history of Hungary's Church or helped bring about the erection of the Hungarian Chapel. The costs involved in the construction were shared by Hungary's Church and Hungarian Catholics living in other countries. The Hungarian State did its part too to help defray the costs through a grant of 3-3,5 million forints. As Cardinal Lêkai pointed out in his words of welcome to the Pope, the chapel dedicated to the "Magna Domina Hungarorum" stands as a three-fold symbol: 1. It is a sign of the faithfulness of the Hungarian people to the successor of Peter. 2. It is an expression of the Hungarians' love of the Blessed Virgin who enables all Hungarians to reach out to one another irregardless of whether they are living in their homeland or somewhere else in the world so that, in a spirit of brotherly love, they may be able to offer one another mutual respect and aid. 3. It expresses the idea of a Europe at peace. The saints depicted on the chapel's side walls were once the mediaries between countries of their national characteristics - a work which spiritually uplifted, rather than oppressed, the peoples involved. Reflecting upon these thoughts of the Cardinal, the Pope expanded the symbolism mentioned to another level when, in his sermon, he spoke of his impression of the significance of this artistic chapel. 1. During times of important national decisions, Hungary's people have always turned for help to their protectress, the Magna Domina Hungarorum. 2. This consecrated place gives witness to the unity with the head of the Catholic Church in Rome. He expressed the hope that it would remain a symbol for HIS Press Service No.18, November 1980 Page 2
