Veszprém a török korban (Veszprémi Múzeumi Konferenciák 9. 1998)

Molnár Antal: A Veszprémi Egyházmegye a török hódoltság idején

Antal Molnár VESZPRÉM DIOCESE DURING TURKISH OCCUPATION Study gives a short résumé about the history of Veszprém bishopric which is one of the most significant diocese in Transdanubia during days of Turkish rule. The territory of the diocese was cut in two halves by Turkish occupation, two-third parts of it was under Turkish authority, its residence, Veszprém became a borderfortress. Under these circumstances all the monasteries were destroyed on the territory of the diocese in the 16th century and the parish network became few and far considerable. Veszprém bishops moved to Sümeg, the chapter to Zalaegerszeg, lack of priests was significant, most part of population of the diocese followed the Reformation. Veszprém bishops of 16th century hardly looked after religion situation of their diocese, very similar to other prelates of the country, they had to deal with struggle against Turks, national politics and with protection of their properties. Over and above the forging ahead of Turks, landowners taking advantage of anarchic situations were responsible for deterioration of church institutions. First signals of resurrection of Catholic church could be observed in Veszprém bishopric only late and poorly still comparing with Hungarian terms. The reason for this is the borderland character of the diocese. The Chapter was resettled to Veszprém by the bishop, Sen. István Sennyey in 1630 who got the ruined undercroft of cathedral restored: hereby the Catholic church life reawakened in the town. Bishops of the 17th century did not create much in Veszprém diocese because they were appointed to another bishopric having better benefice by the king after some years. In spite of this, reorganisation of church life began with small steps, most important events of it were the founding of Franciscan monastery in Sümeg and Jesuit missions in Veszprém and Andocs. The chapter remained the most significant church institution from the point of view of pastor, namely canons (sometimes also the bishop) operated beyond Veszprém in the villages as well. Because of the negligible benefice Veszprém canonry was not attractive for churchmen being ambitions, that is why gentry parentage priests educated moderate became members of chapter. The not numerous vicars of diocese also lived in very modest 87