We are launching a novena in remembrance of József Mindszenty’s priestly and diaconal ordinations, in preparation for the December 8th celebration.
As we continue commemorating significant dates during the “Mindszenty 80 Years” remembrance, we recall that József Mindszenty, the former Bishop of Veszprém, was arrested by the Arrow Cross regime and imprisoned in the fortress of Veszprém. Despite his imprisonment, he did not abandon his episcopal duties—he celebrated Mass, made decisions about founding institutions, wrote letters and petitions, and even ordained priests. To honor these ordinations, we are initiating a Novena (a prayer over nine days), during which we can pray not only for our personal intentions but also for József Mindszenty, for his swift beatification, and for the beatification of Magdolna Bódi Mária, whose cause he initiated.
On December 7, 1944—just 10 days after his arrest—Mindszenty ordained diocesan priests, and on December 10, he ordained priests from Transylvania. These poignant moments are also remembered within the Archdiocese of Veszprém. At the request of Archbishop György Udvardy, Archbishop Gergely Kovács of Alba Iulia will celebrate a solemn Mass on December 8th in the St. Michael Cathedral.
The goal of our novena is to open our souls to God through more intentional prayer. Whether individually or in community, we can express our prayer intentions and deepen our yearning for God. The Blessed Virgin Mary and the holy apostles prayed for nine days after Christ’s Ascension as they awaited the coming of the Holy Spirit.
During this novena, we offer our time and attention to God, trusting that beyond our specific requests, we will experience a deeper sense of His love and the outpouring of His grace to nourish our souls.
For nine days, we will spiritually accompany God’s Venerable Servant, Cardinal József Mindszenty, who “speaks to us, opening the treasure house of his soul. He speaks of God’s love for humanity, of the events in Bethlehem, of heaven coming down to earth, and of the tasks entrusted to us. At the end of these reflections, he embraces us, and the space around us opens, as if extending into infinity” (József Párkányi: Readings from the History of Veszprém).
The Repeated Prayer of the Novena:
Lord our God, you chose Cardinal József Mindszenty to be a faithful shepherd during times of persecution, a witness to truth and love even unto death.
Through his heavenly intercession, help us!
Hear our prayers and grant, for the joy of your faithful people, that we may soon venerate him among the saints of your Church. Through Christ, our Lord. Amen.