Bethlen Naptár, 1958 (Ligonier)
Highlights in Hungarian Life…
BETHLEN NAPTÁR 249-1958- YOUTH YEAR by JOSEPH KECSKEMETHY, Secretary It has been an old custom in the Hungarian Reformed Federation of America that each year granted to us by the grace of God, be given special significance by the secretary through an appropriate name or motto. These special designations have been inspired by some outstanding activity in connection with the Federation, either by Magyar tradition or by moments of national significance; but always with the building of the future in mind. Following the example of the past-secretary (now our worthy president), whose ardent work brought about rich success, 1 felt that I too, as the new secretary of the Federation, should carry on this custom. For this reason I have chosen to designate the year 1958 as “YOUTH YEAR.” I do this not only to continue our tradition, but with a definite goal in mind: that with these two “magic words” we might dedicate the year 1958, with greater emphasis than ever before, to the service of our American-Hungarian Youth; and that our Youth, in turn, might also assume responsibility to serve. I do this also in the hope that through mutual work with our Youth in building for a successful future, God will richly bless our efforts. Many of you might ask why I chose the designation “Youth Year” at this particular time. My answer is this: Never have I seen more clearly than now, while studying the internal work as well as the field activity of our Federation, the truth that “THE FUTURE BELONGS TO YOUTH”... that YOUTH is life, joy and happiness . . . the joy of awakening spring . . . and not the gloom of passing autumn . . . that childhood and youth are the PLEDGE OF THE FUTURE not only in the life of the individual, the family, the church, the nation, but also in the life of our fraternal organization. In my field visits I found powerful youth groups everywhere. The possibilities in working with them are limitless. I am convinced that NOW is the time that we must serve our Youth so that with them and for them we can build a happy and secure future. In the lives of our churches and our Federation the phrases, “We hope that with our youth . . .” and “Let us wait for the time when . . .” are passé. The time for wishing and waiting has passed as far as our youth is concerned. The time for action has come . . . when, with our children and our youth, we can make our fondest hopes come true. The time has come when we must lead them on the paths pointed out to us by God, the paths of faith, love of race, and brotherhood. On these paths we must lead them to the organizations established by their forebears: the Church... and through it, the Federation, and so onto fraternalism and benevolence toward our established charitable institutions, all of which is their heritage. I believe that God’s special providence is bringing YOUTH YEAR into the life of our Federation, when He wishes not only the central officers but the entire membership to recognize the importance and necessity of harnessing the strength, the talents and the service of our younger generations through organized religious activity into our fraternal pro
