Published: June 24, 2019.
Without Borders!
“I look at the mountains and see forests. People are coming toward me, and they’re all good friends.
From beyond the border and from hearts right here, no words are needed…”
Familiar Faces
The students and chaperones of the Reménység Catholic Elementary School spent five days in the mountains of Transylvania, thanks to the “Határtalanul!” competition. For the second year in a row, thanks to the tireless enthusiasm of Principal Árpád Géczy, we look forward to the trip with great joy and anticipation.
During our journey through Transylvania and our exploration of the past, we visited sites commemorating our history and art.
Everything we’ve been learning and teaching for years suddenly came to life. After all, what seventh-grader wouldn’t know of Miklós Toldi’s heroism? As we approached Nagyszalonta, the vast plains of Nagyfalu unfolded before our eyes, with grazing herds and the tranquility of lush pastures. Yes, the “Mighty One” must have walked here; the road dusted beneath the hooves of Endre Laczfi’s horsemen. János Arany’s birthplace still stands there today, and indeed, the Csonka Tower also preserves these memories. Together with the children, we recited the well-known lines of the narrative poem; in our imagination, we sat down at János Arany’s writing desk and leafed through his manuscripts.
During our walk through Nagyvárad, we marveled at the features of Baroque architecture in the basilica; in the dim light suffused with the scent of lilies, the bust of King Saint László and the glorious king’s sword suddenly came into view. Walking through the cool corridors of Kanonok Street in Oradea—following in the footsteps of Endre Ady—we didn’t even stop until we reached Zsobok, where the young people were already eagerly awaiting the guests. We carried the children’s smiles with us, not stopping until we reached Körösfő. In the silence of the four-towered Reformed church, we marveled at the painted coffered ceiling, while somewhere “beneath the gardens, three little girls were harvesting oats”…
The children laid a wreath at the monument to Pál Vasvári, paying tribute to the memory of this outstanding educator and young revolutionary.
We arrived as strangers, but the students and teachers of the Count Gusztáv Károly Majláth Roman Catholic Theological Lyceum, led by Principal Dr. László Gál, welcomed us as brothers and sisters. There is a strong desire between the two institutions to forge a close, brotherly bond. How uplifting it was to pray and sing together with the children from Gyulafehérvár.
Cluj-Napoca is a beautiful city! How beautiful it is, and how much it conveys. King Matthias’s birthplace, the impressive equestrian statue of János Fadrusz, and the sky-reaching tower of the Gothic St. Michael’s Church will remain an unforgettable experience for all of us.
The crystal-clear air of the Turda salt mine, the flocks grazing on the lush green pastures, and the glow of evening shepherd’s fires lit up our days. The depths and heights of the Turda Gorge, along with the enchanting song of stonechats and dawn birds, filled the courtyard of our lodging in Torockó—and touched our hearts as well. The roaring foam of the Hesdát Stream whispered tales into our ears about the mysterious inhabitants of the Fairy Castle, who, on the night of St. George’s Day, carry treasures out of the cave.
Sunday Mass in Gyulafehérvár was a special celebration, as the confirmation ceremony—held every five years—took place on this day. Archbishop György Jakubinyi of Gyulafehérvár administered the sacrament of confirmation to 15 young people. We celebrated with them as well, accompanying their spiritual growth on the path they have begun with our prayers. The trees surrounding the church stand guard over the statue of Áron Márton, where we bowed our heads in memory of the Transylvanian bishop. What did he teach? “I do not shy away from work.”he declared. Just like the heroic Hunyadis, whose tomb is guarded by the walls of the cathedral.
These few days flew by quickly. Morning and evening prayers, expressions of thanksgiving, and the many shared games and conversations all brought us closer together. Our spiritual deepening was aided by the ministry of Chaplain Imre Tóth, who stood by us with his cheerfulness and valuable insights.
On the winding road home, we met with the young residents of the children’s home in Szászváros, where we delivered book donations and sports equipment from our school. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the families for their many donations; the young people were very happy to receive every gift.
At the Hungarian Golgotha in Arad, we prayed together for the salvation of the heroic generals’ souls; then, after laying a wreath in the national colors, we set off for home with these memories in our hearts.
Home? After all, we were already at home; we had returned to our roots, our past, our present, and our future.
With grateful hearts, we give thanks to our Heavenly Father for His boundless love and infinite mercy!
The community of the Reménység Catholic Elementary School
Photos taken during the trip HERE can be viewed by clicking.
