Magyar News, 2002. szeptember-2003. augusztus (13. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)

2003-02-01 / 6. szám

lection of a dedicated priest he witnessed in Hungary. He talked of the priest's devotion to the faith in the face of Communist oppression. The congregation listened attentively and was moved by the Cardinal's eloquent description of an event both sad and yet inspiring at the same time. Upon the Cardinal's departure toward the end of a crowded reception, spontaneous applause broke out in appreciation for his presence.

Cardinal Egan also recognized the efforts of organist Antonio Procaccini and soprano Kimberly del Gaizo. The parish is particularly proud of its music program and fervent congregational singing. "Music is a vital component of our ministry here at Saint Stephen of Hungary", notes del Gaizo. "It is our hope that our music heightens and intensifies the spiritual essence so profoundly embodied by the parish."

In order to spread the good news of the centennial, the Hungarian music programs for both Christmas Eve 2001 and Easter Sunday 2002 were broadcast on Hungarian-American Television in New York City. In addition, volunteer guest artists have performed from time to time at Saint Stephen's. Individual performers include prodigy violinist Ling Pan as well as established concert artists such as classical guitarist John Johns, pianist Cristiana Pegoraro and Hungarian violist Agnes Miklós. In April 2002, the parish warmly welcomed the Canticum Sacrum Choir, directed by Aaron Smith, from Saint Ignatius Loyola Church, in New York City.

Although not a part of the scheduled events, the parish also hosted a visiting choir of Hungarian origin. As part of a fund-raising tour of the USA and Canada, the Partium Christian University Choir (Nagyvárad, Romania) performed a Sunday afternoon concert at Saint Stephen's in April of 2001. Under the direction of conductor Sándor Berkesi, the 40-voice group sang a cappella renditions of music by Hungarian composers as well as others. Two religious leaders, the Reverend László Tőkés (Protestant) and the Reverend József Templi (Catholic), accompanied the group during the tour and gave spiritual leadership. Their presence also reminded us of the past and present persecution Hungarians have suffered in Transylania (Romania). The majority of the parishioners at the concert and benefit luncheon were Hungarian; on this day they contributed significantly to the university's building fund and scholarship program.

Rev. Dr. István Seregély greets Teréz Deák and Robert Essenyi of Norwalk (CT)

Saint Stephen of Hungary Parish was established in 1902 and has occupied its current location in New York City's Yorkville section since 1928. Father Angelus Gambatese, O.F.M., the church's pastor since July 2002, characterizes the nature of the parish as one of "pastoral and social service to the Hungarian community and the other communities of peoples who live in the Yorkville area of the Upper East Side."

Sister Natalie Runfola, R.S.C.J., coordinates all the volunteer programs. Roughly 200 volunteers assist the community through a multitude of outreach programs. These include a shelter for the homeless, assistance to AIDS victims, periodic dances for disabled youngsters, and delivery of the eucharist to the homebound. "The centennial [has been] a time for remembering the history of Saint Stephen's Parish", comments Sister Natalie. But more than that, she describes the volunteer ministry as "the jewel in the crown of Saint Stephen." Father Vianney adds: "What would we be without the volunteers? They are the true heroes and heroines of the parish. They've been part of the history of the parish since long before terms like "outreach ministries" and "lay participation" became buzzwords."

While parishioners in need benefit from these programs, the parish also extends the benefits of its ministries to Catholics outside the parish as well as non- Catholics. In this way, according to Sister Natalie, "we are meeting a present need." A good example is the Yorkville Common Pantry, a group of area churches including Saint Stephen's, that donates food to the hungry in the Yorkville area. The two annual fundraising street fairs comprise another aspect of the parish that brings people together for a common cause and have become a popular fixture in the neighborhood.

Father Dominic Csorba, O.F.M., is the Hungarian-born Parochial Vicar for the

Left: Hungarian volunteers hard at work in the kitchen.

Right: Parishioners Charlotte Rogers and Eileen McCarthy

Reverend Csorba wearing Hungarian vestments. Right: Organist Antonio Procaccini and soprano Kimberly del Gaizo

church. He serves the Hungarian community and feels honored to continue in Saint Stephen's footsteps. In reflecting on the past year, he comments: "Our parish was most grateful to celebrate its centennial in holy mass with His Eminence Edward Cardinal Egan. Saint Stephen of Hungary Parish is the most important religious and cultural center for Hungarian Catholics in New York City."

Shortly before the end of the centennial, Father Dominic reached the 40-year anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood, which was celebrated in June 2002. The parish was blessed with the presence of visiting homilist Father Barnabás Kiss, O.F.M., of Holy Cross Parish in Detroit. Reverend Kiss is a fellow Franciscan bom in Hungary who visits New York for special liturgical occasions. In typical fashion, volunteer parishioners organized a luncheon for Father Dominic.

The hard-working volunteers of the parish include Charlotte Rogers, the current co-chair of Eucharistic ministers and a past co-chair of the Liturgy Committee. She was one of many who prepared for the centennial mass months ahead of time and experienced the joy felt by everyone. "Everything about the day was special: the liturgy, the sound of everyone singing, the readers proclaiming the Word of God, and Eucharistic ministers distributing the bread of life". Events like this typically involve at least a year of advance preparation and the results were well worth the efforts and appreciated by all in attendance.

The great volunteer spirit and desire of the parish to help both the Hungarian community and the community at large will certainly continue to carry the parish into its next 100 years fully in the spirit of its patron saint. It's hard to miss the saint’s influence on the parish and the community. For example, part of East 82nd Street was recently given a second name: "King Stephen of Hungary Way".

Cardinal Egan may have described the parish best: "It is my prayerful hope that Saint Stephen of Hungary Parish will continue to thrive for the greater glory of God and as an example of the commitment and dedication of the Hungarian community to the Lord, their homeland, and their splendid culture."

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