The Eighth Tribe, 1976 (3. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
1976-11-01 / 11. szám
November, 1976 THE EIGHTH TRIBE Page 7 works through their best endeavors. Furthermore, individuals must take note of fine examples as patterns for their present and future efforts; for instance, analogous to the action and reaction shown by a “ball dashed to the ground and rebounding,” Father Fuzer focussed on some major points as they evolved in the Hungarian people’s history, such as the emigration waves, the 1956 revolt, Mindszenty’s trial, imprisonment and suppression, the disjuncture from service to his people, the dissolution of Esztergom that formerly was his district, and subsequently, the long years in exiled seclusion, with but small respite until his death in 1975. If he, in fact, hadn’t been resilient in “bouncing back each time” he was thrown down, “we wouldn’t be celebrating today the unveiling of a statue in memory of Cardinal Mindszenty”—a Magyar martyr and Hungarian hero. “We, too,” according to Father Fuzer, “must not allow ourselves to become broken” nor dashed in spirit from being similarly thrown against unyielding forces or hard blocks, “but instead must tebound in rising ever up higher and higher each time when flung downward” or offensively attacked against our physical and/or spiritual constitution; striving toward ideals that we value and hold dearly—thus “being inspired by them” is a more satisfactory way to proceed on the path of life toward future fulfillment of righteous goals. Closing prayer was given by Rev. Dr. Andrew Kosa, Pastor Emeritus of the Magyar Reformed Church, New Brunswick, N. J. the context of which dignified both the occasion itself and the individuals involved—an altogether befitting capstone to the entire program that bestowed upon all a sense of satisfying fulfillment, with solemnity and deeply abiding faith, together with hope amongst all, toward a better future. As a final measure to the commemorative tribue, a film was shown presently through the auspices of Charles Olah, which depicted the 1973 St. Ladislaus Dedication of renovated church facilities, at which Cardinal Mindszenty personally was present on his first visit to the United States —-this in itself an incredible, almost miraculous feat made into reality of an unbelievable dream-come-true! The film gives on-the-spot coverage of highlights on that very special occasion, which can be reviewed as a momentous record of live, historical documentary for a vital testament of major importance. On that day, his attire seemed most befitting to his Eminence’s station and highly appropriate for the splendid celebration day. The garments had been evidently prepared with painstaking care, well in advance for this planned-for occasion, by women with great talents in beautifully-created design and fine artistic needlework that bespoke almost forthrightedly of exhibited tender, loving care of the wearer (that is, Mindszenty) to the viewers (in 1973 and thereafter on the screen) from the donors (all behind-the-scenes persons involved). The atmosphere throughout is stirringly tumultuous but never becomes overwhelming—the unfolding scene always controllably hushed as a mute testimony of ever self-imposed discipline, where there is unspoken need to protect this fragile-bodied, firm-minded emissary of the Creator entrusted to their loan for only a short fragment of time here in this world. The Cardinal’s composure and continuance were quite amazing to behold throughout the length of the filmed ceremony and gave remarkable insight into the character and personality of this persevering human being; it helped toward better understanding of his inner nature regarding his stoically having gone through so many years of hardship to a nearly unbearable extent, which undoubtedly would have crushed other individuals with less tenacity than the Prelate. The remarks made by the Cardinal to the gathering were most clearly presented and his voice sounded surprisingly strong and steady throughout the lengthy procedural ceremonies. His talk lucidly gave some significant points in Hungary’s religious and historical background, i.e., of the “charges from St. Stephen,” the great Hungarian Christian king. The Cardinal stated that there still remains need for reaffirmation of “church, school, family and morality” for living in contemporary times. One could also note an underlying tone toward necessity for retaining and cultivating the relative core nature of Hungarian aspects of traditional themes. His Eminence’s on-going major role involvement continued to be astounding to participants and viewers alike, most particularly, for his superhuman bearing in never faltering nor appearing fatigued, notwithstanding his age, health, and travel effects. Perhaps it could be said that the Cardinal might have even obtained sustenance for renewal by this very real renovation in the structure of St. Ladislaus Church and rejuvenaition from individuals such as the admired, benevolent pastoral leader, Rev. Julian Fuzer, as well as other dignitaries plus church officiaries, assistants, nuns, parishioners, and community members, who were witnessing a momentous religio-historical event in 1973. Also, it seemed heroic indeed to continue serving the almost neverending file of processions forward to the altar of communicants who were desirous of partaking of the hallowed elements in what appeared perhaps to be a reverential experience as a one-in-a-lifetime moment of triumph—perhaps symbolic of absolution in the Catholic Church rites. All in all, the film itself is an actual, natural, live (audible and visual) record which is and generally will be termed a classic for its humanistic and socio-religious noteworthiness; to see it recapture on the screen the living man and martyr to Hungary’s great causes, fills one with a deeply-felt respect and esteem especially on the Dedication Day of Mindszenty’s statue, particularly also on the twentieth anniversary of the Freedom Fighters’ attempt in 1956 in Hungary’s refutation of externally-imposed authoritarian governance. Again, this was another vocal expression to the world at large to take heed for co-existence to be a fact of reality, entitling innocuous people of small minority nations (of the third and possibly “fourth” worlds) just as much recognized as, if not more, than the large, powerful, developed, majority nations on this created earthly planet. Not mentioned at all, but thought meaningful, was that this specific date also coincided with Pope Paul Vi’s birthday September 26, 1892 which was without any Vatican ceremony to mark the occasion, as per his personal orders. Ending on one final keynote—this Dedication of the Mindszenty statue pinpoints a banner day in the historical annals of time immemorial, emblazoned in American-Hungarian and international relations, as well as directing signposts on geographic maps to a statue of a Very Important Person at a Very Important Place of extraordinary prominence locally, state-wide, nationally, as well as marking the significant identity of church, clergy, community, and creativity in regard to all those involved. To sum up the event in its entirety made an altogether pleasant present from a reflective past toward a hopeful future. — Madeline Takács Barboe
