To enter a renewed path in the light of Christ, to defend human life and family, to shape social justice according to the Gospel, true freedom in everyday life and to set an authentic example of life according to the Gospel, Christian virtues, an example of spiritual development in Hungary, Poland and all of Europe, according to Archbishop Stanisław Gądecki during the celebrations held in Budapest in honor of St. Stephen, Patron Saint of Hungary, on the occasion of the national feast.
During the Eucharist in front of the Cathedral in Budapest presided by Cardinal Péter Erdő, Primate of Hungary, the President of the Polish Bishops’ Conference delivered a homily on “Christianity yesterday and today”.
Archbishop Gądecki also pointed to the need for saint politicians like St. Stephen, who in the secularized world would be able through bold projects and initiatives to permeate with the Christian sense not only the customs and awareness of people but also the laws and structures of the secular community.
“Let us ask God that we – in a world that tries to blur the difference between soul and body, between the spiritual and the material, between the human and the animal, between woman and man, between transcendence and immanence, in a world where consumption has become a religion – that we would pursue in such a world – following the example of St. Stephen – to achieve lasting happiness in the Holy Spirit,” said the President of the Polish Episcopate.
Celebration in honor of St. Stephen was held in Budapest with the participation of the president of Hungary János Áder and Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, the highest state authorities of Hungary, the Episcopate and the heads and representatives of other Christian Churches.
