Szerelmes vers - Love Poem
Babits Mihály
For Valentine’s Day, this love poem seems appropriate. His sweetheart’s eyes mesmerize the author, and loving her as he does, he hears little bells tinkling in their gray depths .
A szemedet, arcod mélységes, sötét szürke tavát homlokod havasa alatt, homlokod havát elfeledtetı fényes nyári szemed szédületét szeretem és éneklem e szédület szeretetét. Mélységes érctó, érctükör, fémtükör, mesebeli, szédülsz, ha belevillansz; ki tudja, mivel van mélye teli? Szellemek érctava: drága ércek nemes szellemei fémlenek villanásaiban; de mily ritka fém szelleme tudhat így fényleni? Hunting plate Mély, fémfényő, szürke, szépszínő szemedben, édesem, csodálatos csillogó csengık csilingelnek csöndesen, At the onset of the Middle Ages, Pannonia was a province csendesen, hallani nem lehet, talán látni sem: of the Roman Empire, covering a significant part of Euro az látja csak, aki úgy szeret, mint én, édesem! pean geography. Valeria was one of the four parts of the province, bordered by the river Danube (Duna) on the Babits Mihály (1883 – 1941), poet, essayist, novelist, north and east, by the Drava River on the south and in was one of the most learned and respected writers of cluded most of Transdanubia ( Dunántúl), thus had been the 20th century. part of what has been Hungary for the last eleven hun dred years. Archeological relics, verifying incredibly high cultural and The Seuso Treasure technical achievements of the Roman era, have been Olga Vállay Szokolay ubiquitous in the Pannonia Valeria area of Hungary: ruins of roads, bridges, temples, villas, aqueducts, amphithea Do you enjoy unsolved mysteries? Do you admire ters, baths, just to name a few. Over the centuries, spectacular works of art? Are you fascinated by unsung peasants turned up broken pieces of stone and ancient history? metal objects while plowing or digging in the fields, unaware of the potential colossal cultural value of their Then you may appreciate reading of the international findings. The Romans’ artistic and engineering develop scandal surrounding the mystery of the Seuso Treas ment had been about a millennium ahead, a feat that ure. It embraces several decades, but its roots are well was never equaled or revived until the Renaissance: over one and a half millennia deep . hence the name! A mysterious f ind, unearthed from collapsible tripod. The sensation ing two men at the bar, the three of its hiding in Pannonia Valeria in the prompted it to be sent to the Paris them set out on foot to the dirt road 1970s, became known as the Seuso World Exhibit. (Ironically, during a toward Kıszárhegy, toward the omi Treasure . Although the identity and 2002 further restoration, the tripod nous cellar. After that Sümegh was origin of SEUSO (spelled SEVSO) turned out to be a quadripod.) never seen alive. remains unclear to the present day, the only trace of it as a name of Almost a century later, in 1974, a Suicide, as originally declared, a person appears on the sizable retired carpenter discovered ruins of should be ruled out on several Hunter or Seuso Platter , the most a huge late Roman residential edi counts, such as three sets of foot important piece of the vast collec fice on the shores of Sárviz, near prints in the snow going toward the tion of silver artifacts. The inscrip Szabadbattyán. There he also found cellar and only two sets away from tion on its edge reads: “HEC SEVSO and turned in to the museum a gi it. However, the still ongoing inves TIBI DVRENT PER SAECVLA MVLTA gantic, relief adorned lead cauldron tigation for the killer(s) has pro POSTERIS VT PROSINT VASCVLA and some coins, for which he was duced no conclusive results. DIGNA TVIS”. It translates as: “May paid about a month’s pension. In these dishes remain yours, Seuso, his version, the original location of After the unresolved death of and your worthy descendents' for the Treasure was the ruined Sümegh József, the location of the many centuries. “ villa. Others maintain that it was Treasure’s discovery became cov (Translation varies) found several hundred meters fur ered in mystery, unidentifiable, thus ther, on Kıszárhegy by Sümegh any further would be owners could So who was Seuso? He had to be a József in 1976. claim any locale within the Roman high ranking person, a legatus , a Empire as its origin. The Treasure successful defender of the Empire, Sümegh József worked as a laborer had been removed from its millen deserving the highest honors. His at the local quarry. He lived at Pol nial resting place and illegally kept name is not Roman. Some authori gárdi, where everyone knew that in hidden on private property. The ties guess its origin as Celtic, others 1975 76 he had found some huge, time and means of its leaving Hun as Thracian or Germanic. The plat valuable pure silver platters and gary is mostly hearsay. What is ter may have been a commemora jugs. A local man later testified that known is that at some time by some tion of a celebratory dinner ensuing he had seen two cauldrons loaded obscure way IT, or pieces of it, had a greatly enjoyable hunt, potentially with many larger silver objects as he been taken to Vienna. with the Emperor himself on the was helping Sümegh transport them guest list. It gives two other signifi in a horse drawn carriage to Pol By now we could justly ask what IT cant clues about Seuso. One is the gárdi. Between 1977 and 1979, is, what the Treasure really in Christogram (Chi Rho) separating Sümegh allegedly sold some pieces, cludes? the start and the end of the inscrip not fully realizing their value. tion, indicating that Seuso most There we bump into another un likely was a Christian. The other is A few years later, on December 17 th , known. Opinions about the scope of the word PELSO, the name of Lake 1980, the hanged body of Sümegh this Treasure vary greatly, although Balaton in antiquity, that ties József was found in an abandoned the largest guess is probably the Seuso’s residence, thus the treas cellar at Kıszárhegy. correct one. All original numbers ure, inalienably to the Balaton re enumerating platters, jugs, buckets, gion. The demise of Sümegh József has wash bowls, cosmetics containers, remained a mystery to the present utensils are again hearsay. In Hun It was in May 1878 that 10 broken day. It was preceded by his finding gary, 14 pieces (plus their holding silver pieces turned out from the the treasure and hiding it for years; vessel) are known but over 40 have ground when a local man was dig his military service from 1978; by been “seen”. The numbers grow ging up a plum tree on the south his cheerful demeanor purchasing a significantly if we consider 37 gold east slope of Kıszár hegy, a hill building lot and construction materi plated silver cups and 187 spoons, near the town of Polgárdi. He duly als as he planned to build the great all of which, in company of further surrendered the pieces to the au est house at Polgárdi after his de platters and such are guarded at thorities. Experts of the Nemzeti mobilization. Yet, shortly before his some unspecified vault. Originally, Múzeum (National Museum) identi military term ended, he turned un most or all the above were kept in fied them as produced in the fourth explainably distant and depressed. lead or copper cauldrons, to be hid century and restored them into a On the eve of his death, after meet den from attacks by the barbarians. TOP ROW: The Treasure's "Birth Certificate"; Amphora handle with panthers. SECOND ROW: Picture of Seuso's supposed villa; The first seven returned pieces. THIRD ROW: Sümegh József; The tripod / quadripod; Lord Northampton. BOTTOM ROW: Top of the Seuso Platter with tiny Chi Rho in the middle of the inscription; Illustrating sizes and scale of the pieces.
According to Scotland Yard, be Having completed extensive soil sam Olga Vállay Szokolay is an architect tween 1980 and 1987 various collec pling at the site with results matching and Professor Emerita of Norwalk tors purchased some silver pieces. the traces on a cauldron, in 1993 94, Community College, CT after three A Lebanese art dealer conducted busi Hungary filed four lawsuits against decades of teaching. She is a member ness from the Vienna Hilton and he Lord Northampton and lost them all. In of the Editorial Board of Magyar News managed to obtain some Roman orna 1998, Hungary ratified the Unidroit Online. mental silver dishes, which he sold pact about illicit trafficking of cultural with export papers from Lebanon. property, which mandates that stolen Tracing the Story of One objects of cultural value be returned to Immigrant Family On the international market, first one the country of their lawful ownership. EPF silver jug was offered at the reputable Nevertheless, in 2006, Lord Northamp Mansour Gallery in London. It was ton attempted to organize selling the There was a personal connection for me bought by the president of the auction Treasure until the British art dealers’ to the recent tragedy of the Montecito house Sotheby’s, as a private person. association declared that exhibiting a (CA) mudslide. László Laky (last contri Later, as further pieces of the collec collection of disputable fame would be bution to MNO in September 2017), sent tion appeared, he realized the invest against ethical rules. me a photo depicting his cousin Sándor ment opportunity, but lacked capital. Hodosy rescuing someone from the He successfully approached art inves In 2012, after years of frustrated ef mud. Sándor does not want to be in the tor Lord Northampton (a.k.a. Spencer forts to repatriate the Seuso Treasures, limelight, but I knew his and László’s Douglas David Compton) to join in the a Hungarian law office was commis family going back to their grandparents, venture, which seemed to promise co sioned to create a contract that would and since the beginning of their story is different from most Hungarian emigrant lossal returns. In 1984, they offered it realize the return of the artifacts to stories, I thought it worthwhile to record it to the Getty Museum, but the papers their rightful owner: Hungary. The for posterity. certifying the origin were identified as papers were signed in 2013 (just about counterfeit. A further unexpected turn in sync with the British Lord’s expen I had met Sándor Hodosy’s and László came by a Hungarian expert who rec sive fifth divorce!), to the tune of 15 Laky’s grandparents, Sándor’s dad to be ognized the word PELSO on the Seuso million Euros. In early 2014, the first and aunt (and László’s future mother) in platter. He readily identified it as the seven pieces of the Treasure were re a refugee camp in Germany after World name of Lake Balaton in ancient times. turned while details of the deal have War II. Their story is worth recalling, as All of these rendered the Treasure un been declared state secret for 30 it shows us another facet of the great sellable, to the dismay of Lord North years! Hungarian saga. ampton. On July 12, 2017, upon paying a Their grandparents were Hódosy László Trying to remedy his client’s financial roughly 28 million Euro compensation (Laci bácsi) and Ani néni. Laci bácsi was predicament, his lawyer purchased to the holder(s) of the set, Hungary a lathe operator, living with his family in new forged papers in Lebanon for one received the second seven pieces. The Arad, which since 1920 belongs to Ro million pounds. invaluable Treasure, aptly nicknamed mania. Because so many German men by Prime Minister Orbán as “Hungary’s were lost at the fronts, they needed fac Years later, in 1990, at the exhibit pre family silver set”, was taken on an ex tory workers to carry on towards the end of the war, and German recruiters ceding Sotheby’s auction in New York, hibit tour across the Country, ending enticed many Hungarian industrial work a rich silver set appeared, with Leba its adventurous journey at the Parlia ers with promises of great jobs and de non given as place of origin. Shortly, ment, then at its final showcase, the cent housing. Lebanon filed a lawsuit against National Museum. Sotheby’s, requesting investigation of Thus a trainload of skilled Hungarian ownership of the Treasure and its sur Archeologists and scientists never workers arrived in Hannover, Germany in render to Lebanon. stopped analyzing the enigma of the early 1945, some with their furniture, so history and origin of the Seuso Treas glowing had been the picture painted by This prompted similar claims by Yugo ure and neither did Scotland Yard. the recruiters. slavia and Hungary. Unable to estab Whatever their findings, however, the lish legality, all claims were essentially “family silver” is now safely back By this time, much of Hannover lay in dismissed by the New York court. The where it belongs: in Hungary. But it ruins as a result of Allied bombing. In collection, lacking legal proof of owner still remains a mystery waiting to be stead of the nice apartments the Hun ship and origin, became legally unsel solved! garians had been promised, the Germans lable. wanted to house them in a movie theater that had lost its roof in an air had also emigrated, and for her first Of Anikó’s children, the oldest was a raid. Most of them wanted to go vacation, Anikó decided to visit him in special needs child, whose siblings back right then and there. Texas. Well, as the saying goes, the made provisions for her after their rest is history: She never returned to parents died. She passed away in Finally, they were persuaded to stay, White Plains, but married Tibor and 2011. The oldest son, László, is now and were accommodated in a Russian eventually had six children. Chief Motor Officer of Dallas Gateway camp (you can imagine how well that Traffic Safety, and every so often went over!) where they were infested When the family could follow after, sends us material for MNO. He has with lice. Then during an air raid, the Hodosys settled in Queens, New three younger brothers, one of whom, their barrack burned down, and they York, and were instrumental in having Zoltán, is a Dallas Police Officer; an lost their furniture, their belongings us move from New Jersey to Queens other who works for Sprint; and the and the food they had brought with as well. third is a contractor in Florida who them. builds malls. Anikó’s other daughter Frank joined the Air Force, and is married and has five children. They went to work in the Hanomag moved to Colorado to the Air Force factory, but when air raids came, they Academy. He met Vizma Zarins, a It is quite interesting to follow the were chased out of the workers’ air Latvian artist, in Denver, where four story of a family from Transylvania to raid shelters at gunpoint! of their five children were born. California and Texas, to see how they After his military service, he studied eventually contribute to the Great Soon the war ended, and so did their engineering at the University of Colo American Dream. employment. They were finally rado at Boulder, obtained his degree housed in the cabins put up on little and moved to California. victory garden plots near the Hanomag factory. That is where we He designed their beautiful house found housing too, and that is where where they raised five children, one we met the Hodosys. Our families of whom is Sándor, who has his own became friends, and my brother landscaping business. (And who, Remy and Frank, being the same age, when the need arises, rescues people shared a bench in high school once from mudslides! He also brought in the schools reopened in 1946. his own equipment to help with the Montecito clean up. He is the father We moved on to Essen almost two of two adult daughters.) years later, and eventually emigrated to America in 1949. The Hodosys Sándor’s twin brother Ferenc, named Sándor Hodosy rescuing a also began the process, but Laci bácsi after his father, is a tennis pro, and mudslide victim had an accident in the processing his own twin sons Christian and Ryan, camp, and they had to wait until he seniors in high school, regularly make And the immigrant story continues ... was recovered. the newspapers with their exploits on the tennis courts. However Anikó, Frank’s older sister, immediately received a scholarship to Frank’s oldest is also named László, a college in White Plains, NY, and a and works for the local newspaper in job offer as a nanny, and she came to Santa Barbara. the States ahead of the family. Anita, the only girl among the sib We met her at the boat, where her lings, raised four children of her own, sponsor also awaited her and wanted one of whom was a special needs to whisk her away to White Plains child. Another is now learning the right away. It took a lot of persuad ropes of his father’s winery busi ing to allow her to come visit with us ness. In addition, Anita raised her in New Jersey for a couple of days youngest brother Andris, since both before starting her new job. Frank and Vizma passed away early. Andris now has his own tech In Germany, Anikó had corresponded nology based business. with a young man named Tibor Laky The Hodosys in the Hannover vic about student affairs. Anita recently retired from the Santa tory garden Barbara County Clerk’s office. Originally from Székesfehérvár, he The White Rose Debutante Ball: 60 years of Hungarian Tradition By: Laura Kuczajda A brief history of the Hungarian White Rose Debutante Ball of Detroit, with info about the special guest of honor the Hungarian Ambassador to the US.
To provide you a history of the Hun bership grew. The Club received its look forward to these continued re garian White Rose Ball, we must legal charter from the State of Michi ciprocal sponsorships. start with the formation of the Hun gan on May 31st, 1960. 2018 marks garian Arts Club, which has spon the 60th anniversary of this Hungar To celebrate our 60 years, this time sored this event for 60 years. The ian tradition. The formal black tie we will be hosting the Hungarian Hungarian Arts Club was formed in event, now held at the historic Dear Ambassador to the US, dr. Szabó 1958 as an organization to preserve born Marriott Inn the first Saturday László as our Honorary Chairper and foster Hungarian arts and cul of February, has a live band offering son. He assumed his position in July ture. The Club’s goals were to nour traditional ballroom dancing, includ 2017. Dr. Szabó's first profession ish, support and promote Hungarian ing csárdás and polkas. In addition, was medicine, but he later joined Eli heritage and present this culture to one of the highlights of the evening Lilly, working eventually at their the people of the United States. So, is watching the debutantes and their world headquarters in Indiana. In way back in the 1950s, the Detroit escorts perform the "palotás", a tra 2010, he was named CEO of TEVA Hungarian Community held a formal ditional dance of the Hungarian royal (Hungary), one of the world's largest ball called the “Radio Ball”. It was court. Following the "palotás", each generic drug firms. Later on, he be called that because Mrs. Pálos, the young woman is introduced into So came State Secretary and later Dep owner of the Hungarian radio station ciety, and completes a formal curt uty Minister of Foreign Affairs and and the Hungarian newspaper, used sey to all the guests. She is then Trade. to chair the event each year. escorted back to await the arrival of her father and the performance of We are excited about celebrating our In 1958, Mrs. Pálos decided she no the Father Daughter Blue Danube 60 years, and encourage any former longer wanted to chair the event and Waltz. debutantes, escorts, and scholarship wanted someone or some group to winners to attend this February 3rd take over the responsibility. In the During the evening, the winner of gala event, and reminisce with old fall of 1958, a meeting was held in the college scholarship is announced friends and revitalize their Hungarian Delray, Michigan to discuss the for and often times performs a musical roots. If you know of any young mation of a group to continue the piece, should that be his or her field Hungarians who would like to par tradition of the Hungarian formal of study. The scholarships (three to ticipate in the Ball as a deb or an ball. Several local dignitaries*, busi be given out this year) have been escort, or apply for the scholarship, ness people*, and well known local awarded in fields ranging from act or if you are interested in joining the Hungarian artists* attended. The ing and instrumental performances, Club, please contact Linda Enyedy at group agreed to form the Hungarian to singers, dancers, music teachers, 248 352 0927. Arts Club of Detroit, not only to con sculptors, and designers. All stu tinue the ball but also to support dents of Hungarian descent, study *Original meeting attendees in Hungarian artists and art students. ing the fine arts, are encouraged to cluded or may have included: Dr. Some of the affluent people attend apply. To date, the Club has intro Géza Nagy, Dr. Kálmán Csiszár, his ing the meeting, who happened to duced over 450 debutantes, and wife Irén Csiszár, Mrs. Pálos, Mrs. descend from Hungarian royalty (the given away over $90,000.00 in col Anna Bozo, Father Jakab, Dr. Navori, Csiszárs), suggested the group fol lege scholarships. The current Presi Sculptor Ferenc Varga, artist József low in the footsteps of Hungarian dent is Tamás Markovits of Ypsilanti, Sulyok, artist János Tokai, artist Fer nobility and rename the ball “Fehér with Linda Enyedy of Southfield as enc Somogyi, Vilmos Nerath and his Rózsa Bál” and make it a debutante the Vice President. wife, and possibly Dr. Sztar. ball. The Hungarian Arts Club has en Laura A. Kuczajda has been the pub The group loved the suggestion, the joyed strong support over the years licity person for the Hungarian Arts Hungarian Arts Club of Detroit was from the William Penn Association Club for the last 10 years. She has born and the White Rose Ball tradi and local Hungarian groups and or an MBA and is currently the Director tion began. Dr. Csiszár became the ganizations from ball attendance, of the College of Human Medicine first President of the Club, and mem to financial contributions; and we for Michigan State University. White Rose Debutante Ball : Debutantes and Their Escorts New Hungarian School in Danbury viola vonfi Since last November, Dóra Peller has been spending every second Saturday afternoon at the Danbury Hun garian Club, making it fun for seven to ten year olds to learn their ancestral language. This is mirrored in the Magyar Studies of America (MSA) ad which invited those interested to ”Play and learn Hungarian to gether” – „Játsszunk és tanuljunk magyarul együtt”.
Qualified to teach children at the kindergarten level as well as grade school, Dóra Peller started teaching at the MSA sponsored school in Fairfield. She came to the States four years ago, when her husband, who works for an international hi tech firm, was trans ferred here. ”Most of the young ones speak Hungarian, and it is obvious which parents find it important and spend time with them to foster the language,” explains Dóra. Chief aim of the study aids she uses is to expand the students’ vocabulary. Magyar News Online After spending two hours (11 AM to 1 PM) in Fairfield on 242 Kings Hwy Cut off alternate Saturday mornings, she then heads north to Fairfield, CT 06824 accommodate those children for whom Fairfield would www.magyarnews.org be too far, or whose parents’ schedule precludes them from attending there. Classes in Danbury run from 3 to Editor: Erika Papp Faber 5 PM, usually ending with a game of hide and seek. Founder, Editor and Publisher In addition to her teaching skills, Dóra has a talent that Emeritus: Joseph F. Balogh endears her to young and old alike: she does face paint ing, and is available for birthday parties, corporate Editorial Board: events and festivals. Olga Vallay Szokolay, Éva Wajda Charles Bálintitt, Eliz Kakas, She and her pupils’ parents are planning a „ farsangi mu Judith Paolini Paul Soos, Joseph Ull, latság ” (carnival festival) for February 17th (see poster Estevao Arato with the lead on the first page). Webmaster: Karolina Szabo Assistant Webmaster: viola vonfi is our correspondent from Stamford, CT. She Zsuzsa Lengyel finds it amusing that one of her ancestors was knighted Treasurer : Zita Balogh by Wallenstein during the Thirty Years’ War. to tutor his grandchildren during vaca Rev. Vas László – Re- The following year, he was named tion time. Molnár also began to work quiescat in pacem! Associate Pastor, and later, Adminis then for the ”Est” newspaper conglom trator of the Chicago Hungarian Par erate, a group of three daily newspa pers with a combined circulation of The Szent István R.C. Church in ish. In recognition of his work, the 400,000. (Their influence in the 1920s Passaic, NJ unexpectedly lost Hungarian government bestowed on has been compared to the power of its Pastor on January 7, 2018. him an official decoration. TV today.) For them, and for the news paper ”Pesti napló”, he created India When the previous Pastor of Szent ink drawings daily, depicting scenes of László in Passaic, Fr. Mustos István bourgeois city life, which made Molnár left, Fr. Vas took over as Administra Pál famous. tor, a position he held until the sum mer of 2017. As a tutor to the Szinyei family, he traveled with them to Switzerland, A Mass of Christian Burial was offered where he visited his mother’s relatives for the repose of the soul of Fr. Vas at and had the first three exhibitions of Szent László by Bishop Arthur Ser his landscapes in Geneva and ratelli on January 20 th , at 10 AM. Lausanne, in 1920. While there, he began using stronger colors in May he rest in peace! his plein air pictures. He also fell un der the influence of perhaps the best Molnár-C. Pál known Swiss painter of the time, an influence which he wanted to shake Erika Papp Faber Having led the Parish as Administrator off. So he withdrew into the moun since 2007, Fr. Vas was named Pastor tains for half a year, living like a her On a quiet street in Buda, in June of 2017. A few months later, mit. It is surmised that he may have somewhere behind the iconic had a profound spiritual experience just before Christmas, a sudden sick Gellért Szálló is a small private there, since his painting of religious art ness prompted him to return to his museum. It is the for began after that period. native Nagyvárad for medical treat mer studio of Molnár C. Pál, ment. That is where he died on Janu perhaps the most popular A wealthy Swiss woman then offered ary 7th of this year at the age of painter and graphic artist of to finance a year’s stay in Paris – the 52. Burial was from Nagyvárad Ca the 20th century who, for 50 dream of every painter! – if he would thedral to Rulikovszky Cemetery. years, created paintings, wood copy a section of a well known Tizian cuts for book illustrations, Madonna for her. He did. Being half Fr. Vas was born in 1965 into a Re graphics used in popular daily French, he felt very much at home in formed (Presbyterian) family. He was newspapers and posters, at this Paris. There he continued to teach preparing to enter the Reformed min himself by copying paintings in the address. istry, but converted to Catholicism in Louvre. He became acquainted with 1985. Seven years later, his bishop, various painting styles, and experi Molnár Pál was born in Battonya in mented with cubism, dadaism and sur Tempfli József sent him to study in 1894, the first of seven children. His realism, while still retaining represen Budapest. Ordained in 1998 in Nagy father was an estate manager who tational elements. The abstract held várad, he was named Pastor to two married the governess (named Jeanne no attraction for him. small villages and was also Spiritual Contant) brought from Switzerland by Director of Szent László Catholic the estate owner. Although he fell in love with an Ameri School and the Magyar Máltai can ”Miss Barbara” (whose portrait he Szeretetszolgálat (Hungarian Knights The landowner supported Pál’s stud also painted), homesickness proved of Malta Charitable Services) of Nagy ies in Arad, where his artistic talent stronger than love and he returned to várad. was discovered. When a newspaper Hungary. On his return, he began to advertised a national competition to exhibit in the Belvedere Salon, and illustrate a short story, the winner was In 1999, his Bishop sent him to study started to add the ”C” from his the eleventh grader Molnár Pál. This at the Gregorian University of Rome, mother’s surname to his own. started him on his artistic path. in the Hungarian Papal Institute. In 1925, the Képzımővészek Új Tár He went to study at the Budapest In response to Chicago Cardinal Fran sasága (The New Society of Fine School of Design (then called cis George's request for help, Fr. Vas Arts), better known by its initials as Mintarajziskola és Rajztanárképzı arrived in Chicago at the end of June KÚT, accepted him as a member, fıiskola ), the Director of which was 2000 to help out in the summer. Here which gave him new impetus. Szinyei Merse Pál, master of Hungar he continued his studies, with the per ian Impressionism. Szinyei asked him mission of his Bishop Tempfli József. His painting ”St. Francis Preaching to the Birds” earned him a three year the grand prize he received from the hope. scholarship to Rome in 1928. There, Szinyei Society in 1931; the gold med at the newly created Collegium Hunga als he won at the Warsaw Interna Molnár C. Pál was a playful person ricum (Hungarian Academy), he tional Woodcut Biennale (1934) and at who tried every novelty, and changed rubbed shoulders with established the International Ecclesiatical Art Ex styles and themes, which kept him painters Aba Novák and Szınyi. hibit at Padua; and the gold medal forever young, and is the reason his Classical and Renaissance art influ awarded him by Budapest life’s work is so varied. He painted enced them all, together with modern Székesfıváros in 1936. easily and much. ways of looking at things. In Rome, Molnár C. used a box that He designed the first Hungarian he could hang around his neck, tourist poster, one of Lake Bala which he could transform into an ton. The poster for the Eucharistic easel, and used prepared wooden Congress held in Budapest in 1938 panels to sketch what he saw – for was also his work. But perhaps his example, freshly unearthed Roman most famous poster was the one ruins. advertising Modiano cigarette pa per, at a time when many people At this time he began to paint in still rolled their own cigarettes. the surrealistic style, for as he said, ”Actually, every form of art is After 1945, the new political direc more or less surrealistic. The real tion shut him out of the art scene ity of everyday life is different from Self portrait because he was ”a church artistic surreal reality.” painter”. Nevertheless he continued At one point, the American Bibliophile to work hard. Later, when the political Returning home, he received commis Society called upon one artist from atmosphere eased somewhat, he was sions from around the country – from different countries to illustrate a work granted an award by the government Kıszeg to Battonya to Szombathely – of Shakespeare. Molnár C. Pál was (Munka Érdemrend arany fokozata ) in for large scale religious art, including chosen from Hungary, and he illus 1974. altar triptychs and frescoes. (Among trated Coriolanus . these is the ceiling fresco of Szent He shared his technical knowledge in Anna church on Batthyány tér and the While the majority of his paintings specialized textbooks, and wrote his triptych of Belvárosi fıplébánia church have biblical themes, he also painted autobiography, but that was published in Budapest.) He became a pioneer in female beauty in numerous nudes, only posthumously in 1994. He died modern ecclesiatical art. His painting considering woman to be the deposi on July 11th, 1981, at age 87, having of the Annunciation won for him the tory of the secret of life. When asked stopped painting only a few weeks Zichy Mihály Prize, considered at the how a church painter could paint so previously. time to be the highest form of artistic many nudes, he replied that when an recognition. artist paints, he glorifies the Creator His daughter established the family for the beauty of form. owned private museum in 1984 in He began to illustrate literary works by Molnár C.’s studio, later adding an famous contemporary authors, such as His landscapes are mostly improvisa adjoining apartment. The museum is Kosztolányi Dezsı, Molnár Ferenc, tions, although there are some Italian small (40 square meters) and intimate, Szabó Lırinc. (One illustration from scenes as well as historic themes with original furniture, family photos Kosztolányi’s Alakok was ”Kalauz” – among his works. and mementos enhancing the paint Conductor – which may be seen in the ings and graphic art. A member of the collage). He created woodcuts, again Hope, harmony, peace and interior family – these days, Molnár’s grandson for book illustrations. In 1930, he won cheerfulness characterize the art of and/or the grandson’s wife – provide an international competition with Molnár C. Pál. Only illness in his later the narrative. his Fioretti woodcut illustrations. years produced a dark period, when Those for Rostand’s Cyrano de Ber he painted Az atomháború árnyékában Some 20 years ago, the M. C.P. Circle gerac won him several awards at the élünk (We live in the shadow of an of Friends ( Baráti Kör ), a legally regis 1937 World Exhibit in Paris, including atomic war), showing New York with tered art society (the first in the coun the Grand Prix and a gold medal. It its vibrant life, and its companion try having a professional goal), was became that year’s ”Most Beautiful piece which seems almost prophetic of established. It handled the publication Book”. 9/11, showing destroyed skyscrapers of the autobiography, and continues to The exhibits he had and the awards with the Statue of Liberty lying on the meet monthly at the Museum. and prizes Molnár C. won are too nu ruins of the city. But even there he merous to list. Suffice it to mention added a ray of light, a glimmer of Top: Billiard players; Bathing girl; Cyrano de Bergerac. Bottom: St. Francis Preaching to the Birds; The Flight into Egypt; The Conductor
Periodically, the work of other artists the New York Museum of Modern Art, ple language. Here we take a whimsi is shown, and lectures are given in the and in Rome, Venice, Nürnberg and cal look at some nouns that end in –ló Museum. A lecture series enti München. In 1994, over 100,000 (which, standing by itself, means tled Múzeumegyetem (Museum Uni visitors admired his works at an ex ”horse”), plus one that includes the versity) was initiated, with popular hibit in Tihany. word in the middle. scientists holding forth, and a young artist offers training in an art work Molnár C. Pál summed up his career tarló – lekopasztott ló shop. this way: ”I am a happy man, be siló – az Alpesekben cause all my life I could do what I holló – hol ló, hol nem ló The Museum remains a private, family love the most – I played my whole life padló – ló az iskolában undertaking. The works of Molnár C. long.” kandalló – férfi dalt éneklı ló Pál are still being researched by his póló – fenekes ló daughter, since her father was lavish Erika Papp Faber is Editor of Magyar roló – guruló ló szóló – éneklı ló in selling and giving away his works. News Online Tasziló – lökdösıdı ló Zugló – ló az erdıben, meg a nádas During his long career, Molnár C.’s Furcsa lovak - ban works were exhibited not only in Hun poroszló – német ló gary but also abroad – in Berlin, Stutt Whimsical Horses rabló ló a börtönben gart, München, Vienna and Graz. EPF and OVS pilóta repülı ló Today, his paintings may be found in museums, including of course the Hungarians love to play word games Hungarian National Gallery, as well as with their wonderfully sup ronment, among many colored cul our Hungarian consciousness abroad tures and peoples speaking the lan is simply lacking, hobbling. Venerat guage of the accepting country, and ing the Saint means following the St. László, Model with familial and other connections sanctity of his life and, like him, liv for Hungarian to several nations. Among all this he ing a life of true Christian principles. became the ”nation’s athlete” and Diaspora the champion of the Christian faith. The heroic stand of St. László Most Rev. Cserháti Ferenc against attacking enemies and evil St. László was born in Poland, in a encourages us particularly today to On their scheduled five year foreign land, as were most children take up the struggle, even abroad, visit, the Hungarian bishops of Hungarian parents abroad. His against such harmful beliefs, mur met with Pope Francis last father, King Béla I, was of the House derous ideologies and bad habits November. He spoke with of Árpád, his mother Richeza was a which aim at defiling the Christian each of them, including Polish princess. Thus St. László was soul, rob us of our ancient heritage, Bishop Cserháti Ferenc, who the son of two nations, as are many ruin our Christian faith and family is charged with the pastoral young people abroad. Originally, traditions; care of Hungarians even his name had been foreign – which would force us into slavery, abroad. Having been born in he was called Ladislav – in a foreign extinguish the love of family and a diaspora himself, the Pope language, as they also often do to us respect for parents, which would spoke with him at length, and in foreign lands. We don’t even wean us away from prayer, and keep emphasized the importance of know the name of his first wife, but us away from church, from confes maintaining the native once he was widowed, he married sion, from the gift of marriage and language and culture. the daughter of Rudolf of Rheinfeld, the other sacraments. Prince of Swabia – not the daughter Here is an excerpt from of Hungarian parents, as is the case The example of St. László encour Bishop Cserháti’s 12th of many young people today who do ages us to ”fight the good fight of Circular Letter addressed to not choose a Hungarian spouse faith”, and to follow the witness of all Hungarians abroad. abroad... He was born abroad and those ”who live the Gospel without they spoke several languages in his compromise, carry out their duties, family, yet he remained firm in his and generously serve the poor” (cf. Hungarian consciousness and in his "Martyrdom", by Pope Benedict XVI, Christian faith. He became the light Vatican Radio, 10/29/2007), or as of his nation, the pioneer of national the Apostle Paul says: ”For our Christian culture in our country, struggle is not with flesh and blood steadfastly fostering, defending and but with the principalities, with the spreading the Christian heritage be powers, with the world rulers of this queathed by St. István (Stephen). present darkness, with the evil spirits in the heavens” (Eph. 6:12)... The example of his life is especially timely for the new generation living Historians have also recorded that abroad, useful as a guide that is at St. László appeared several times tractive and may be followed. Why after his death among his own, per can we not be like him, good Hun forming miracles where the need garians and good Christians? Why was great. can we not be his companions in leading a holy life? Hungarian soldiers went into battle with this battle cry: ”St. László, We hold commemorations because help!” Let us also implore him with ... During the past year, we remem they remind us of lasting values confidence: King St. László, be our bered, by means of a series of cele which we can still respect and make leader and help us in our noble, brations, the 940th anniversary of our own, which we can always use. Christian struggle! You, who were King St. László’s accession to the Specifically, if we can appreciate and our ruler on earth, be our protector throne and the 825th anniversary of make our own the Christian witness in heaven! his canonization. I would like to re of St. László in our own lives, we can call the connection of Hungarians link our own cause with God’s cause, In closing, I recall the memory of the abroad to the Christian and Hungar as he did during his earthly ian moral courage and integrity of 1938 International Eucharistic Con life. Otherwise we only pick and St. László who had been forced gress of Budapest and bring to your choose among the values of his life’s abroad and grew up there. Like us, attention that the 52nd International example and forget that without the he found himself in a foreign envi Eucharistic Congress will be held in Christian heritage of our ancestors, Budapest, September 13th to the 20th General of Hungary of 2020. It will offer an outstanding and Counselor of opportunity for spiritual renewal, not General Cohesion only in Hungary but also abroad. One attended the meeting, of the most beautiful ways is through together with Hámos Eucharistic Adoration, which may be László, President of organized anywhere in the world. And the Hungarian Human let us pray with our brothers in Hun Rights Foundation, gary that ”the celebration of the Eu Vince Máté of the charistic Congress may serve the spiri Balassi Institute and tual renewal of our entire community Deák Nóra of the of the faithful, of our capital, of our Mikes Program. people, of Europe and the whole The ladies of the world.” (Further practical suggestions Church served a may be found on the web page of the delicious dinner of 2020 Budapest International Eucharis potato soup, stuffed tic Congress at www.iec2020.hu ) peppers, and Székely káposzta , with cherry In preparation for the Eucharistic Con strudel and mousse for gress, we have also planned to re dessert. Hungarian cord the ”Old Testament Audio Bible wines were also of the Hungarian Diaspora”, purpose of available. which is to involve Hungarians living abroad and their communities in the The very attractive Jonás reading and digital recording of the Hall, which serves as the Old Testament. We would like to venue for the new Hungar spread knowledge of the Bible and to ian Bistro operated by document and record the voice, Church members on Fri name, current country and locality of days, was the scene of the accommodation of each reader of a 3 meeting. minute biblical segment. Further infor mation is available on the web page of Reverend Tibor Király, Pas the Szegedi Nemzetközi Biblikus Alapít tor, welcomed the Consuls vány, at www.sznbk1988.hu/hu … and assembled guests, leaders of Hungarian communities, is Deák Nóra. Interested not only Thank you for all your monetary, spiri who met to discuss topics of common in written documentation – books, tual and moral support... interest. magazines, personal documents – she mentioned that they are also looking Titular Bishop of Centuria, László Hámos reported on the work of for oral history sound and video re Auxiliary Bishop of Esztergom the Diaszpóra Tanács established in cordings. Her term is up at the end of Budapest 2010, which provides opportunities for February, but shipments of material charged with the pastoral care of government officials to meet unoffi will continue into the spring. Hungarians abroad, cially with Hungarians living abroad December 3, 2017, and to discuss common concerns. At The Mikes Program is also embracing First Sunday of Advent the annual meeting in Budapest, dele the project to revitalize the Hungarian gates from all five continents get to Museum of New Brunswick, NJ, not meet each other, develop stronger ties through outside support, but through Seventh Diaspora Meet- and exchange ideas. its own efforts, so that it might remain ing Held in Fairfield, CT a non governmental entity. EPF Hámos also mentioned the Mikes Kele men Program, which provides 3 month The Diaszpóra Tanács also provides The Hungarian Consulate of scholarships to young librarians who assistance to Hungarians who find New York held its seventh facilitate the returning of books and themselves in a minority situation in Diaspora Council ( Diaszpóra documents to Hungary, and to the the surrounding countries, and acts as Tanács ) Meeting, this time in Hungarian minorities living in the sur a spokesman for their cause. Fairfield, CT, on Sunday, rounding countries. Digitalization of January 28th, at the Calvin the material is part of the Program. At According to Hámos, there are an esti United Church of Christ. Chief present, there are 5 of these research mated milllion and a half Americans of Consul Kumin Ferenc and Dr. recipients around the world. The one Hungarian descent. For them, the Szakács Imre, Deputy Consul serving the East Coast at the moment Hungarian Birthright Program, under ReConnect Hungary, offers pro on a doughnut dish. Mini cupcake pan grams to get in touch with their roots. with liner is OK to use (I used cookie Chief Consul Kumin spoke at length sheets). about the process to register and par ticipate in the spring elections in Hun Bake on 350 degrees for 18 to 20 min gary. Those who have documentation utes or until gold in color, remove of dual citizenship are eligible. from baking dish, roll them in confec tioners’ sugar, and drop melted choco Vince Máté of the Balassi Institute late in the middle. (I sometimes press mentioned that he represents Hungar a chocolate kiss on top instead.) ian culture for Americans, without really going into specifics. Chicken for Sunday dinner. For It’s a Small World! dessert I will serve Stefánia Consul Szakács reminded his audience EPF fánk. that 2018 has been declared Mátyás Király Év (Year of King Matthias). He No matter how you slice it: dis Drunken chicken was born 575 years ago, and was cho tances in time and space don’t Ingredients: sen king 560 years ago. Many events really matter. Why? Because – One medium size chicken and programs have been planned Kicsi a világ! throughout the country to commemo 1 stick butter rate his reign. Magyar News Online is 1 cup dry white wine In his youth, in Budapest, my husband also planning several articles on King ½ lb bacon Oscar had been a sprinter and broad Mátyás during the year. Salt jump athlete with the MAC – Magyar Pepper Athletikai Club (see the November Marjoram 2008 issue of Magyar News Online: Recipes for Farsang “Where Did Those Olympians Come Instructions: From?”) The time between Three Kings Wash chicken well and dry with paper Day (Epiphany) and Ash towel. The club often hosted international Wednesday is called farsang, a Rub it with spices inside and outside. competitions at their Margitsziget ath time for carnivals and celebra Place it in a roasting pan with higher letic fields. At one such, in the 1930’s, tions, eating, drinking and sides. Turkey roasting pan is ideal. Oscar became acquainted with a Japa dancing. Since it is followed by Melt butter and pour over chicken. nese pole vaulter named Oe (that was a great fast, Lent, who would Pour the wine into the pan. his last name!), although I have no argue about it? Cover with aluminum foil and bake on idea how they communicated. 350° for 1 hour and 45 minutes. The tradition goes back to the Remove foil and lay bacon slices In time, Oscar eventually emigrated to 15 t h century, when from the crosswise over chicken. Increase tem the US, and worked for PanAm, in small villages to kings’ courts perature to 400°. Roast chicken un ever higher capacities. Among other everyone was making covered until bacon is crispy, about 15 assignments, he was also an official merry. Men and women put on 20 minutes. troubleshooter, and for the successful costumes and masks. From the Serve it with parsley potatoes. resolution of some major problem, he t h 16 century on, we find men would be rewarded with a ticket to the tion of the fight of Cibere and Stefánia doughnuts destination of his choice. One time he Konc, the Lenten food and Ingredients: decided to visit Japan (this was before the farsang food. (See For doughnuts: we had met). www.magyarnews.org, February 2 ¼ cups flour 2017 issue) 2 eggs In Japan, he went about seeing the 2 sticks unsalted butter sights. On a ride on the famous bullet At these celebrations the tables ¾ cups sugar train, his seat mate was a Japanese are set with all different kinds 1 cup chopped walnuts gentleman who spoke English. Oscar of wines, meats, soups and mentioned to him that he knew only pastries. The most famous is For topping: one person in Japan, an athlete by the a fánk or doughnut. Confectioners’ sugar name of Oe. To which his seat mate Melted chocolate replied with surprise: “He was my Most of the meat dishes are next door neighbor!” made with alcohol, the Drunken Instructions: Chicken, Duck with Cognac, Crumble butter with flour. Add all the No, the odds don’t really matter, be Pork with Wine, etc… other ingredients for dough and make cause IT’S A SMALL WORLD! I will make the Drunken a smooth dough. Make walnut size balls, roll them in flour and place them (Checking the internet, I found that the left handed, and as a tool for re style hand motions to activate other Sueo Oe tied with another Japanese habilitation of those who have injured electronic devices, a form of home athlete named Shuhei Nishida for the their hand. While it may take a little automation that would greatly assist bronze medal in pole vaulting at the time to get used to it, it will facilitate handicapped people. Berlin Summer Olympics of the writing process in the long 1936. When it was suggested that run. Called the UO pen, it uses a We wish him all the best in his bud they compete against each other to blue ink cartridge, and comes in a ding inventor’s career! decide the winner, they de variety of colors. clined. Nishida was arbitrarily ... that a “smart bandage” has been awarded the silver medal. On their ... that a life saving drone has been developed by 16 year old Szegedi return to Japan, they had their med built by Imets Tamás to deliver first Melinda ? It can regulate body tem als cut in half and spliced together, aid to injured individuals in remote perature by either heating or cooling, so each of them had a half silver and areas, such as mountain climbers, and thus can be used for thermother half bronze medal. Oe was killed in picnickers and hikers? He is a high apy. the Battle of Wake Island in Decem school student in Csíkszereda, who ber 1941. has been awarded two international inventors’ scholarships. Oscar had a good chance to attend the 1936 Olympics himself, but he Another of his inventions uses Jedi tore a tendon setting a broad jump ing record, and could no longer compete.) Did you know…
... that young Hungarian in ventors are coming up with very practical solutions to modern daily problems? Or that another film has been nominated in the Best For eign Language category? … that another Hungarian film was nominated for a best foreign lan guage film Oscar? Testrıl és lélek rıl (Body and Soul) is an Enyedi Anikó film, the third to be nomi nated in that category. The film already won best film at the Berlin International Film Festi val, and Borbély Alexandra won best actress. It also won the grand prize at the Sydney Film Festival last June. In the film we can see that simple people have the same dreams and feelings just like most of us. ... that a specially shaped pen, de signed by design engineer Bagó Ákos, promotes better hand posture and facilitates the process of learn ing to write? It is recommended not only for young children, but also for