RMG – SDB Provinces: The “Saint Stephen the King” Province of Hungary (UNG)

07 April 2025
RMG – SDB Provinces: The “Saint Stephen the King” Province of Hungary (UNG)

(ANS - Rome) – The history of the Salesian Province in Hungary dates back over a century. The Salesians arrived in Hungary in 1913 during the leadership of Fr Paul Albera, the first successor of Don Bosco as Rector Major. In the years that followed, they established numerous houses, schools, and student residences throughout the country.

The Province flourished, even sending Hungarian Salesian missionaries to serve in various parts of the world. Notably, Fr. József Wech, better known in Cuba as Fr. José Vandor, is still remembered with deep gratitude and was declared Venerable. Hungarian Salesians also contributed to missions in the Dominican Republic and other countries.

However, this flourishing mission was brought to an abrupt halt by the rise of the communist regime, which not only impeded its development but also ordered its suppression. With the 1950 decree that dissolved religious orders, Hungarian Salesians were scattered: many fled the country, while others continued to minister to youth in secret.

Following the fall of the regime in 1989, the 83 Salesians who remained in Hungary resumed their work. Despite the challenges, they returned to some of their former foundations, maintaining the same goal: to serve and educate young people in the spirit of Don Bosco.

Today, the Salesians in Hungary continue this mission in five locations: two houses in Budapest (including the Provincial House), Péliföldszentkereszt-Nyergesújfalu, Kazincbarcika, and Szombathely.

The Province currently consists of 27 Salesians: 19 priests, 5 brothers, and 3 clerics. Additionally, there are 9 missionary Salesians serving in Hungary: 4 Vietnamese, 3 Indian, 1 Nigerian, and 1 Polish. The average age of the Salesians is 45 years, with the youngest being 26 and the oldest 85.

The Salesians of the “Saint Stephen, the King” Province are active in a variety of educational settings – including kindergartens, schools, and a university residence – as well as in parishes, youth centers, and other ministries. Together with laypeople and young collaborators, they dedicate themselves wholeheartedly to continuing Don Bosco’s dream.

The Salesian Family in Hungary includes five groups:

  • Salesians of Don Bosco
  • Daughters of Mary Help of Christians (FMA)
  • Salesian Cooperators
  • Past Pupils of Don Bosco
  • Volunteers of Don Bosco

Together, they carry out numerous joint programs for youth ministry and vocational promotion.

A particularly significant figure for the Province is Blessed Br. Sándor Sándor, a Salesian lay brother beatified in 2013. His martyrdom and sacrifice continue to inspire and strengthen the community. Under his patronage, the Salesians regained the historic Clarisseum, once a prominent Salesian center where Blessed Sándor served for many years.

Returned by public authorities in 2018 after decades of expropriation, the Clarisseum is once again becoming a center of Salesian spirituality. It now serves not only to honor the memory of Blessed Sándor but also to rejuvenate Salesian outreach to youth.

Looking to the future with confidence and hope, the Salesian Province of Hungary draws strength from the 29th General Chapter, the new Rector Major, and his Council. With the commitment of the Salesians, the broader Salesian Family, young people, lay collaborators, benefactors, and Don Bosco devotees, the Salesian mission in Hungary continues to bring hope to youth and help them build a brighter future.

A short video about the Salesian presence in Hungary is available on ANSChannel for those who wish to learn more.

View the embedded image gallery online at:
https://www.infoans.org/en/sections/news/item/23973-rmg-sdb-provinces-the-saint-stephen-the-king-province-of-hungary-ung#sigProId8a2fdbc0bd

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