William Penn Life, 2010 (45. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)

2010-12-01 / 12. szám

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^t. Ladislaus Komán Catholic Oiurch

215 Somerset Street, New Brunswick, NJ

Walking into St. Ladislaus Church on a sunny morning is a soul-warming experience. Its large, modern stained glass windows allow natural light to flood the bright white interior. It is, arguably, the area's most beautiful church, filled with items honoring the history and historic figures of the Catholic Church in Hungary.

The church was founded in 1904 and the first Mass was celebrated in this lovely building in 1906. Its pastor since 1995 has been the Rev. Capistan Polgar, who was born and raised in the parish. Father Polgar says most of the parishioners no longer live near the church as he did growing up. "Now, most come from out of town, some a considerable distance," he said. But, about 100 to 200 people come each Sunday "to worship here because we celebrate in Hungarian."

Like the Magyar Reformed Church, St. Ladislaus is a major supporter of Hungarian programs and events, including the Hungarian American Athletic Club, Hungarian Scouts and the Hungarian school held at the Reformed church. "There is an ethos among the people here that won't let their culture die," he said.

Across the street stands the former St. Ladislaus School. It now houses services for the city's Puerto Rican community, which has gradually replaced the Hungarians as the neighborhood's dominant ethnic group. Still, there are signs that the church's Hungarian identity will remain strong for years to come: many of the church's recent baptisms have been in Hungarian, Father Polgar said.

CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: The interior of St Ladislaus; a close-up of "Mary of Csoksijon" by Gyuri Hollósy that stands inside; the church's altar honors historic figures of the Hungarian Catholic Church; Saint Stephen in stained glass; the exterior of the church; the doors at the church's main entrance marking the year the church was built (1905) and rededicated (1973). RIGHT: A bas-relief of founding pastor, the Rev. Janos Szeneczey.