On the feast of Saint Stephen the Deacon, the first martyr, we are reminded once again of that love which is so profoundly moving: the boundless, completely self-giving, infinitely strong, and eternally free love with which Magdi also clung to Christ.
Stephen was one of the seven deacons chosen by the apostles to dedicate their lives to fraternal love and service. He was brought before the Sanhedrin, where he did not deny Jesus. For his courageous testimony, he was stoned to death, sealing his witness with his blood. Before his death, he cried out: “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!”
Magdolna Bódi Mária dedicated her life to Jesus. When she defended her female companions and her own purity from a Soviet soldier who attacked her, six bullets pierced Magdi’s back. After the first shot, she stood still, and at the second shot, she raised her arms towards heaven, then clasped them together, saying: “Lord, my King! Take me to Yourself!”
Grant us, Lord, that we may learn to love from Deacon Stephen and Magdi.
