On March 23, 2025, the 80th anniversary of the martyrdom of Bódi Mária Magdolna, Archbishop György Udvardy officially proclaimed the “Bódi Mária Magdolna 80” Memorial Year. This year-long spiritual and communal journey seeks to strengthen existing initiatives and bring new focus to the key events of Magdi’s life—so that her example may come even closer to the believing communities of today.
The inauguration of the memorial year coincides with the day of Magdi’s martyrdom, making it not only a moment of remembrance but one of spiritual renewal. On this day, the prayer alliance dedicated to her is also renewed, turning Magdi’s legacy into a living and impactful spiritual movement.
April centers around the celebration of her beatification, offering fresh momentum to Magdi’s cause. In May, aligned with the feast of Saint Gizella and Blessed Bishop Vilmos Apor, a new film on Magdi will be premiered. The program will also include a book presentation. The significance of this month is further emphasized by the fact that Pope Francis officially recognized Magdi’s martyrdom in May of the previous year.
During the summer months—from June to August—Magdi’s life will be presented in a variety of formats at both community and cultural events. In June, alongside the “Balakat” initiative, an exhibition will open in the Castle District as part of the Night of Museums, offering new perspectives on Magdi’s life and spirituality. In July, in connection with the feast of Saint Maria Goretti, a family day titled “Our Goretti Mária” will be held in the Castle, providing a space where Magdi’s example is explored from the perspective of families.
August, the month of Magdi’s birth, will be especially rich in spiritual and cultural programs. At the beginning of the month, a festive concert and spiritual retreat day will reflect on the early stages of her life, while the anniversaries of her retreats in Pécel will be marked with book presentations and lectures. These events will help deepen the understanding of her personal calling—particularly her inner desire to die young for Christ, as a witness to the youth.
At the end of September and beginning of October, a week-long church dedication celebration will take place, beginning with the feast of Saint Michael. The series of events, titled “Encountering Magdi”, aims not only to remember her but to allow communities to encounter her testimony personally. At the end of October, on the anniversary of her vow of purity, the first liturgical feast in her honor will be celebrated with a solemn Mass in the Cathedral of Saint Michael. This occasion will also feature the presentation of the volume “Magdi’s Legacy.”
The end of the year will also be marked by meaningful events. In November, on the anniversary of the arrest of Cardinal József Mindszenty, a Way of the Cross and memorial walk will retrace the shared spiritual journey of Magdi and Mindszenty. On December 8, the day Magdi was consecrated as a congregant, a solemn Mass will be celebrated in her honor. Then, on the last day of the year, December 31—remembering Magdi’s well-known prayer: “Sweet Jesus! I promise that the seed sown will bear much fruit”—the year will close with a Te Deum.
In January 2026, the memorial year continues with a gathering of communities. The “Meeting of Magdi’s Communities” offers an opportunity for places and groups connected to her name to share their experiences. On February 23, spiritual preparation begins for the anniversary of her martyrdom, once again drawing the community back to the profound message of Magdi’s life.
The memorial year concludes on March 23, 2026, with solemn Masses held in Litér and in the Cathedral of Saint Michael in Veszprém. These celebrations will serve as another renewal of the prayer alliance, reaffirming that Magdi’s life is not merely a memory—but a mission.