Kaján Imre (szerk.): Zalai Múzeum 21. Emlékkötet Mindszenty József tiszteletére. Muzeológiai tanulmányok Zala megyéről (Zalaegerszeg, 2013)
Tanulmányok Mindszenty Józsefről - Szabó Ferenc: Boldogasszony Éve (1947/1948)
10 Szabó Ferenc SJ The Year of Blessed Virgin Mary (1947/1948) The Hungarian bishops - according to Cardinal József Mindszenty’s proposal - proclaimed the year of 1947/1948 as the Year of Blessed Virgin Mary in their pastoral letter written on 15lh August 1947, thus commemorating the centenary of the 1848 Revolution as well. The main goal was a radical spiritual-moral renewal of the country. The Year of Blessed Virgin Mary became the most prominent religious event series and one of the most important spiritual movements of Hungary in the 20th century. Its leading character was Cardinal József Mindszenty, who travelled throughout the country until 8th December 1948, mobilizing large crowds: he encouraged them to pray, atone and live an active Christian life. The Days of Holy Mary in Zala were organized on 7th and 8lh September 1948 in Zalaegerszeg, in which several Hungarian bishops and some monastic orators also participated along with Cardinal Mindszenty. In his monumental speech addressed to his exfollowers of Zala and the host of pilgrims, József Mindszenty clearly referred to the country’s situation of that time, recalling the Turkish years: "The country was already built once under the cope of Blessed Virgin Mary. Now we have to give this a chance with the help of our Christian attitude and constant yearning so that our Blessed Virgin Mary is able to show us how her protection could help us and that she has also remained our mother today. In connection with this, we must be proved to be the children of Mary’s throughout life [...] Let us return to our ancestors’ faith and lifestyle!” Huge crowds were mobilized by Cardinal Mindszenty while he was travelling through the country. Meanwhile, the broadside became increasingly intensified against him. Rákosi and his followers were preparing the Cardinal’s show-trial. Translated bv Lívia Simmer
