The legendary Catholic bishop of Transylvania would say even today: we still need that certain inner compass that unmistakably shows our human vocation.
On the way to Csíksomlyó, the pilgrims are following in the footsteps of their predecessors, their inner compass is the guiding principle that they want to remain faithful to the memory, faith and values of their fathers, grandparents and great-grandparents, said János Árpád Potápi, State Secretary for National Policy, at the Kézdiszentlélek in Székelyföld on Thursday.
The politician took part in the meeting of the participants of the 7th Márton Áron Equestrian Pilgrimage on Perkő Hill in Kézdiszentlék, in front of the Szent István Chapel. Pilgrims on horseback take the prayer ribbons of the settlements of the region to the farewell in Csíksomlyó held on the Saturday of Pentecost.
Today we are going on a journey where GPS, traffic signs and traffic controllers do not guide us, we are following in the footsteps of our predecessors, when we often follow the paths they trod on horseback or on foot - said János Árpád Potápi. He added: they also trust that their sons, grandchildren and great-grandchildren will also make this journey.
We need some kind of inner compass that unmistakably shows our human vocation -
quoted the words of Áron Márton, the state secretary, according to whom the legendary Catholic bishop of Transylvania would still say today: that certain inner compass is still needed. He emphasized: Áron Márton considered it a gift from God if people were "safe in their destination", and even today it is important to know where we are going and how to adjust ourselves in the world.
We follow the compass that has protected our Hungarian people in the Carpathian Basin since King St. Stephen, he said.
He reminded: 14 years ago, with the renewal of the national policy, they believed that they could strengthen not only the feeling of belonging, but also the experience, and all programs serve this purpose. "Our goal is to involve as many Hungarians as possible in this national unity," he said, expressing his joy that more and more young people and children are joining these programs.
János Árpád Potápi recalled: the Áron Márton Equestrian Pilgrimage is being organized for the 7th time, with its name reminiscent of the bishop's confirmation tour in 1947, when his followers put him on horseback to protect his physical health.
The riders set off on twelve routes, the farthest team set off from Szamosújvár last Saturday and covers 280 kilometers. So far, 356 riders have joined the pilgrimage, and the Transylvanian riders were also joined by riders from the Highlands and Murs.
Sándor Tamás, the chairman of the council of Kovászna County, which is about to be re-shaken, said: riders from Kézdiszék, Sepsiszék and Orbaiszék started from the sacred mountain of the Upper Three Regions, while the people from the forest region go on a separate route. About 50 riders from Triszék set off, joined by 25 pilgrims on foot.
He pointed out: Pentecost is a holiday of the soul, but for the Hungarians of the Carpathian Basin, it means something else besides its biblical meaning. "The inner strength that our Christian faith and our Hungarian national support has given us for a thousand years here in the Carpathian Basin, we were able to create not only a preserved, but also a livable future with it," he said. He emphasized: In the settlements of Székelyföld, you can see churches built on stone foundations, orderly farms, and Székelyföld belongs to those who work for it every day. "It does not belong to those who deny it, but to those who love it," he said, underlining that "no one can ever take away the inner, spiritual Székelyland" from its inhabitants.
He especially greeted the riders from the highlands, who arrived on different horses, and asked the Hungarian Lady for "a predictable, secure future" for the residents of the region, tying the trident prayer ribbons on the riders' sticks.
Tibor Balogh, the mayor of Kézdiszentlélek, announced: for the third time, horse riders will set off from Perkő to take the prayer ribbons of the surrounding settlements to the Mother of God in Csíksomlyó. He welcomed State Secretary János Árpád Potápi, inviting him to the largest Catholic holiday in the region, the farewell in Perkő on August 20.
The chief patron of the equestrian pilgrimage is Erik Urbán, the Transylvanian provincial chief of the Franciscan order named after Saint Stephen. The riders will arrive at Nyereg in Csiksomlyo on Friday at 6 p.m., where they will participate in the holy mass.
On Thursday, the Gyergyóalfalus cross also left for Csíksomlyo. The settlement of Gyergyószék has an exceptional place among the cross-beds on their way to farewell at Pentecost, since according to the centuries-old tradition, led by priest István, the first pilgrimage to Csíksomlyo started from here. According to the Székelyhon news portal, more than two hundred people set out this year.
MTI
Cover photo: The Áron Márton Equestrian Pilgrimage is organized for the 7th time
Source: Facebook/János Árpád Potápi
