Brevis conspectus vitae eius. Tóth Tihamér (Budapest, Korda Rt. Ny., 1940)

On January 14, 1889, like his countless famous ancestors, Tihamér Tóth was born at Szolnok, a well-known city situated in the heart of the great Hungarian plains, where the Tóth family's illustrious history stands unbroken for generations past. Tihamér was seven years old when his father died. There and then the youthful Tóth decided with complete resignation to brighten his grief-stricken mother's life who, in addition to Tihamér, was left to provide for four other boys. Strange but true, this childish determination bore a visible impression upon the youthful years of the famous prelate for he did not seek the usual entertainment identical with boys of his age but instead he seemed to find more pleasure in the solitude of St. Francis' Church near his home, or by slinging his knapsack over his shoulder and off he'd go for a hike along the banks of the Tisza River. Without doubt, few men have acquired as keen a love for Nature as did Tihamér Tóth. This he proved time and again by his interesting lectures on the beauty and wonders of Nature. One of his books, ,,God's Amazing World", gives ample proof of this hobby. Although he spent a great portion of his liesure hours alone, yet he was never happier than when surrounded by many of his youthful companions. There is convincing proof that his friends were far from boisterous, since playing Mass seemed to hold principal sway in their playtime curricula.

As is often the case when religious vocations show signs of early presence, Tihamér, with an exceptional scholastic record after six years of study at Szolnok's gymnasium, was accepted into the preparatory seminary at Eger by the Archbishop of that diocese. Because of his outstanding scholastic aptitude he was sent to the Central Seminary at Budapest to continue his theological studies at the University located here. Here again, under the tute- lege of Hungary's most able theological professors, he likewise distinguished himself scholastically as well as setting a spiritual example for other seminarians to follow. This we know from a letter of reccommendation forwarded by Central's rector to Tihamér's bishop: ,, . . . optimi clerici exemplum . . . Ecclesiae utilissimus fore speratur . .." (,,... an exemplary cleric ... a promising satellite of the Church...“).

Tihamér Tóth travelled extensively, especially through Europe. His main purpose in all these travels would appear to be his attempt to make a comprehensive character study of the modern man. His every reference to these travels bears witness to this fact. From July 27, 1914 to October 30, 1915 he served as an army chaplain. Overcome by the constant strain, Tóth was recalled by his bishop and after a brief respite he assumed his duties as a professor of theology at the seminary in Eger. Here given time to reflect upon a future course, the young professor decided upon a very active one;

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