Fraternity-Testvériség, 2001 (79. évfolyam, 1-4. szám)
2001-01-01 / 1. szám
Page 8 TESTVÉRISÉG The Partium Hungarian Christian University Choir’s Concert at the Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church Ligonier, Pennsylvania Thursday, April 26th, 7:00 P.M We doubt that anyone could have arranged it better since everything came together the most favorable way. The weather was ideal, the temperature perfect, the sunshine warming up the hearts as well as the late evening, and the blooming flowers elicited joy and love in those who came with great expectation to hear the singing of the choir from Transylvania, Romania. The well-done preparation has laid the foundation, Rev. Imre A. Bertalan, Executive Director of the Bethlen Home, with many others involved did a wonderful public relation work to make it known to all who have Hungarian background and like music in Pittsburgh and vicinity that a great occasion and opportunity are coming, the ecumenical choir from Transylvania will perform in Ligonier on Thursday, April 26th, in the sanctuary of the Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church of Ligonier, PA. Father Joseph P. Maddalena and the parishioners of the Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church were outstanding host and hostesses. They offered a warm welcome and did everything to make the concert and reception that followed a great success. The mayor of the Ligonier welcomed the guests and presented them an official proclamation; also Father Maddalena spoke a few words expressing our mutual joy over this ecumenical event. The evening was opened with greetings presented by Bishops László Tokes and Joseph Tempfli. Bishop Tokes spoke in the name of the Protestants in English, and Bishop Tempfli in the name of the Catholics interpreted by Rev. Jalso. The concert began with singing the American and the Hungarian national anthems. Under the able leadership of the choir director Mr. Sándor Berkesi, the choir, consisting of young university students, offered a wonderful rendition of great composers’ works, such as J. S. Bach, Zoltán Kodály, Montrose (Clementine), and Lajos Bardos. With the help of the audience the choir sang the “Battle Hymn of the Republic” as the audience joined them singing the refrain. There were also an organ recital and a flute solo. After the concert, which was appreciated by the audience with great ovation, reception followed in the fellowship hall. The great variety of delicacies must have satisfied everybody’s palate; and the ladies from the Bethlen Home as well as William Penn Association proved again their proficiency in culinary arts. The three violin players in the fellowship hall played those songs that our older members remember well and like. The younger ones danced and the older ones enjoyed to see them moving around so fast bringing back precious memories of yesteryears. We would be amiss if we would not mention those who served and labored in the background. Miss Lisa Toth organized the bus ride so people from Pittsburgh, McKeesport and Homestead could come and should not drive at night. From the Duquesne Free Hungarian Church a school bus brought the people. Mr. Elmer Toth and his wife Ruth were the gracious host and hostess at the Scenic View, where the William Penn Association has a retreat center, and where the leaders and members of the choir stayed overnight for two days. Needles to say the hospitality included a delicious breakfast. Mrs. Olga Damay, Mr. Bert Olah, Rev. Dr. Joseph Posta, and Rev. Alexander Jalso branch managers represented the H.R.F.A. Branches 126, 151, and 226 were “Benefactors” as well as Rev. and Mrs. Alexander Jalso, that is, they donated at least one hundred dollars to sponsor this concert. To top off a wonderful day, when the choir could visit the Bethlen Home and see Ligonier in its beautiful setting of hills and valleys, the next day the Most Rev. Anthony G. Bosco, Bishop of the Greensburg Diocese, invited Bishops Tempfli and Tokes to lunch. Friday the bus took the choir to Cleveland leaving behind favorable impressions and a joyful evening to remember. May God bless them and be with them wherever they serve, sing, and sow the seed of good will. Rev. Alexander Jalso Commemoration of March 15th Leaders of the HRFA and the William Penn Association commemorated the Hungarian War of Independence of 1848-49 with a wreathlaying ceremony at the bust of Louis Kossuth in the Capitol in Washington, D.C. On the photo, 1. to r.: Elmer E. Vargo, WPA National Director; Anthony C. Beke, WPA Chairman of the Board; U.S. Rep. Tom Lantos (D-Calif.); George Dózsa, President of the HRFA; and Géza Jeszenszky, Hungarian Ambassador to the U.S.
