In a vivid display of cultural and spiritual unity, St. Stephen’s Basilica in Budapest welcomed foreign-language Catholic communities and diaspora Hungarians for the seventh “Mass of Nations” on Saturday, September 20. Organized under the patronage of Cardinal Péter Erdő, the event drew participants from across the Esztergom-Budapest Archdiocese and around the world.
The principal celebrant was Auxiliary Bishop Gábor Mohos, joined by Bishop Kornél Fábry and priests from Hungary and abroad. Representatives of diverse communities entered in traditional dress, bearing national flags, accompanied by organ music and the Taizé hymn Laudate Dominum.
In his homily, Bishop Mohos emphasized the richness of the Catholic Church’s global character and addressed the spiritual risks of materialism. Drawing from the Gospel reading (Luke 16:1–13), he warned against the modern illusion of self-sufficiency and underscored the importance of spiritual freedom found in Christ rather than wealth.
The desire for independence often leads people away from God,” Bishop Mohos said. “But true security is found only in a trusting relationship with the Creator.”
He highlighted the need for Christians to pray for all — including those in power and even enemies — with sincerity and forgiveness. “To follow Christ is to accept a challenge — one that brings freedom from material and emotional dependence.”
Multilingual elements of the Mass reflected its international spirit: the Gospel was read in Vietnamese and Hungarian, intercessions were offered in ten languages, and English subtitles were provided for the homily. Music was led by the Basilica choir and a multicultural ensemble featuring African, Latin American, and Asian musicians.
The event coincided with the fifth Hungarian Catholic Diaspora Meeting, which gathered Hungarian representatives of Catholic communities worldwide.
International crowd at St. Stephens Basilica, Photo: Szent István Bazilika Facebook
“Tonight, we are all part of one community,” Bishop Mohos concluded. “May the joy and faith we share today remain with us, and may we carry it into the world around us.”
