On the occasion of the Day of Consecrated Life, the Archdiocese of Veszprém held a solemn press conference on February 3 regarding the beatification of Bódi Mária Magdolna. The event was attended by Archbishop Dr. György Udvardy, Mayor of Veszprém Gyula Porga, Chaplain Dávid Kulcsár, and Office Manager Enikő Loószné Dömötör.
“Through Archbishop Peña Parra, the Holy Father has entrusted Cardinal Péter Erdő with the official proclamation of the beatification of the Servant of God, Bódi Mária Magdolna, during a solemn liturgy in Veszprém on April 26, 2025.” With these words, the cardinal’s statement—sent in his absence—opened the press conference.
The event began with the screening of the first episode of an upcoming eight-part animated short film series. Father Dávid Kulcsár welcomed the attendees and highlighted Bódi Magdi’s unwavering faith and commitment, which led to her martyrdom despite the hardships of daily life. He recalled her death on March 23, 1945, and the prompt initiation of the diocesan phase of her beatification process by Cardinal József Mindszenty just 80 years ago. He then detailed the 80-year journey culminating in the decree by Pope Francis on May 23, 2024, proclaiming her beatification.
Mayor Gyula Porga emphasized that Veszprém, as an ancient archdiocese, is a fitting location for Bódi Mária Magdolna’s beatification, given the city’s deep-rooted religious and cultural heritage linked to St. Stephen, Blessed Gisela, and St. Emeric. He also noted that the beatification could turn the city into a pilgrimage site, further strengthening the legacy of St. Stephen and Blessed Gisela.
Archbishop Dr. György Udvardy stressed that the life and martyrdom of Bódi Mária Magdolna carry an essential message for today. An estimated 10,000-12,000 pilgrims are expected to attend the beatification. Representatives from the Roman Curia, leaders of various Christian denominations, clergy and secular officials from neighboring countries, figures from the cultural and societal spheres, religious communities, and pilgrims from both within and beyond Hungary’s borders will be present. The archbishop also expressed his gratitude for the blessing of Carlo Acutis being canonized on the same weekend.
On Friday evening and night, prayer programs will be held for young people at the Veszprém Arena. Pilgrims may arrive starting at 8 AM on Saturday. The solemn Mass at 11 AM will begin with the ringing of a bell dedicated to Blessed Magdi. The beatification will take place at the same altar used during Pope Francis’ apostolic visit to Hungary in 2023. Continuous opportunities for confession will be available for the pilgrims. The Mass will feature a choir and orchestra, and both a litany and hymn have been composed in honor of Bódi Mária Magdolna. A key moment of the ceremony will be the placement of her relics. Following the Mass, pilgrims will be welcomed at the Cathedral in the Castle District, where they can venerate her relics. The oldest liturgical tailoring workshop in Hungary has been commissioned to create the vestments for the celebration.
The archbishop emphasized that while the preparation process is integral to honoring Bódi Mária Magdolna’s legacy, it is equally important to continue following her example of holiness after the beatification. Her Christ-like virtues—faith, hope, love, courage, and joy—serve as a guiding light for contemporary Christian communities. He also expressed joy that October 26, the day of Magdi’s vow of chastity, will be officially added to the diocesan liturgical calendar as a feast day.
He further noted that Bódi Mária Magdolna’s beatification is not merely a remembrance of the past but a hope for the future of the Hungarian Catholic Church. Her life and martyrdom serve as a testimony to faithfulness to God, sacrifice, and the joy of living one’s faith.
“I promise that the seed that falls to the ground will yield abundant fruit,” quoted the archbishop, referring to Magdi’s words, which have been chosen as the official motto of her beatification.
The archbishop also highlighted the significance of the beatification coinciding with two thematic anniversaries (Mindszenty 80, Bódi Mária Magdolna 80) and the Holy Year proclaimed by the Pope. The main celebrant of the solemn Mass will be Cardinal Péter Erdő, Primate and Archbishop of Esztergom-Budapest, who last officiated a beatification in Hungary in 2006 when he proclaimed the martyr Sára Salkaházi as Blessed on behalf of the Pope.
According to plans, the relics of the new Blessed will be placed in the Mission Cross, which contains relics of mostly Hungarian saints and blesseds. This cross was a symbol of the Budapest City Mission, the 52nd International Eucharistic Congress, and Pope Francis’ visit to Hungary.
The organizers are committed to ensuring the comfort and safety of attendees. Therefore, individual pre-registration is required, which will open at the end of February on the official website (www.bodimariamagdolna.hu). Pilgrimage trains, shuttle services, and designated parking facilities will be available to assist participants. Volunteers are also invited to sign up starting in late February. Special arrangements will be made to accommodate individuals with disabilities and families with young children.
During the press conference, Office Manager Enikő Loószné Dömötör provided an update on the six-month-long spiritual preparation. More than 15,000 prayer booklets have been distributed, 15 locations are hosting a traveling exhibition about Magdi, and a bilingual website, an animated film series, an audiobook, and weekly video updates have been launched. A “traveling stone” initiative has been introduced in her honor. Additionally, Eucharistic adoration events are being organized, and educational materials for various age groups are available on the website. Religious competitions and two thematic conferences are planned to highlight the academic significance of her beatification. Requests for lectures and spiritual retreats are being accepted. Several publications are in preparation, including “Testimony with a Lily and Blood,” which will be available in both Hungarian and English, as well as a biography of Bódi Mária Magdolna. A countdown to the event will begin on February 6.
The organizers warmly invite everyone to actively participate in the preparations and the beatification ceremony. This event will be a special gift for the Archdiocese of Veszprém and the Hungarian Catholic Church, allowing us to celebrate the power of faith and Christ’s love manifested in self-sacrifice and martyrdom.