We publish short interviews with the speakers and guests of the International Eucharistic Congress below.
SER Bishop János Székely of Szombathely, Blessed Ceferino Institute.
"Gypsy brothers have an innate closeness to God.
for thousands of years , they have torn their roots from the earth, but maybe that is why they are close to the
sky.
They must enter the church so they can be part of this miracle. open their lives to the richness of the gospel.
And our life should be about acceptance.
Gypsyness is not a problem, but a gift and social diversity that can be united by our common faith."
SER Cardinal Josip Bozanic, Archbishop of Zagreb (Croatia)
"At the World Eucharistic Congress in Budapest in 1938, Alojzije Stepinac
represented Croatia, this honor has now fallen to me.
Even then, there were difficult times, but we persevered.
In the current situation, the pandemic and division are causing problems, and this meeting also had to be postponed by a year.
However, this is how this event became another message: perseverance and togetherness.
Christian life and Christianity cannot be measured in time or space. This is for eternity.”
Cardinal Dominic Duka, Archbishop of the Archdiocese of Prague (Czech Republic)
"Religious freedom in times of globalization, when there is chaos in the world,
has several forms.
But let's ask the question: who is free? Who is in prison or who is out?
Inner freedom is like a gift. Because Jesus ' Eucharist is also a gift.
I was detained in the Gulag, where thousands of people lived, including priests, believers, men, women, children, and even several were born in captivity.
There is political freedom and there is also economic freedom.
In today's world , we need to accept the principles of truth.
And the truth is the way to freedom. freedom comes from within, from the soul and the mind.”
Cardinal Andrew Yeom Soo-jung (Korea)
"I received enormous love in Budapest.
The organization is fantastic and the congress has a very friendly and warm atmosphere.
Last night, I attended the Eucharistic Adoration in the St. Stephen's Basilica.
When I prayed, I felt the presence of Jesus in the Eucharist, he told me that
he would be by my side until the end of time.
This was perhaps the most decisive moment for me here in Budapest.
I am grateful to Cardinal Péter Erdő for the invitation, in 2019 we already met at an international forum in Korea, where he was extremely interested
in the country's situation, disunity and problems.
Arriving in Budapest, we visited the Hableány memorial, where
many Koreans lost their lives two years ago.
I felt that the Hungarians were touched by this tragedy and were sincerely worried about our loved ones.
I felt that you share our suffering, in a community with us, where the love of Jesus grows ever greater.
I felt loved.”
Cardinal Baltazar Cardozo, Archbishop of Merida (Venezuela)
"Participation in the Congress was impressive, because the attitude and
preparation of the organizers is outstanding.
It is a very positive experience to be here, I return home to Venezuela with a lot of experience.
The fate of people in my country is not easy at the moment, there is a lack of medicines and we are not doing well against the pandemic either, because
vaccinations are low.
There is a government in power in Venezuela that has destroyed the opportunities of the population, social security is a thing of the past.
A sense of brotherhood cannot be created in a society where there is constant war and hunger and where
there are inequalities between people.
This congress extremely motivates and strengthens me to continue working for religious freedom
and helping people.
I have developed a relationship with the leaders of the Hungarian church that I am sure will help me in my social activities at home."
Source: NEK
