Bishops Reflect on the Changes of the Last 30 Years

The Hungarian Catholic Bishops’ Conference (MKPK) held its regular spring meeting. During a joint Holy Mass, the College of Bishops asked for the intercession of the Mother of God for the speedy recovery of Cardinal Péter Erdő.

The bishops announced that the members of the conference will make an ad limina visit to the Vatican between November 9 and 14, during which Pope Leo XIV will receive them in audience on November 13. During the visit, the Hungarian bishops will visit certain Vatican offices, where they will discuss the situation of the Hungarian Catholic Church in the respective areas with the responsible officials.

The members of the conference continued preparations for a new circular letter, which is planned to mark the 30th anniversary of the circular letter “A More Just and Fraternal World” published in 1996. Under the guidance of invited experts, an overview was given of the significant social, economic, political, and cultural changes that have taken place in the country over the last 30 years.

The aim is for the document to be produced, following a comprehensive analysis of the situation that reflects the content of the circular letter published 30 years ago, to provide guidance for today’s Hungarian society in the light of the Gospel, according to the Bishops’ Conference.

During the consultation, András Veres, Bishop of Győr, reported on the status of the publication of the new prayer and hymn book. The new volume covers all areas of church music, from Gregorian chant and folk songs to polyphonic chants, guitar songs, and youth songs.

In the anniversary year of the Franciscan Order, the Bishops’ Conference is supporting, at the request of the Franciscan Province of “Our Lady of Hungary,” the acceleration of the beatification process for seven Hungarian Franciscan monks who suffered martyrdom in the 20th century.

The Bishops’ Conference has declared 2027 the Year of Vocation, during which a national meeting of altar servers and a national meeting of priests and religious will take place. The aim is “not only to highlight the value of the priestly and religious vocation, but also to show that every Christian life can be understood as a response to God, and to point out that every human life is made complete through devotion,” it said.

Catholic Caritas is once again organizing the Lenten food collection “Lasting Love” this year.

Believers can drop off their donations between March 15 and 22 at designated locations in churches or at one of the collection points listed on the Catholic Caritas website. Donations can also be made online or by calling 1356, with each call supporting those in need through Caritas with 500 forints (1.28 euros).

András Veres. Photo: MTI/Filep István

Catholic Bishops Think Modern Man Should Re-imagine Fasting