Flashmob for the International Eucharistic Congress

Flashmob for the International Eucharistic Congress

A flashmob was made on September 2, 2021 in front of the Esztergom Basilica with the participation of local Catholic schools. For the occasion, all the students from four schools marched to the cathedral. Students and teachers of the József Mindszenty Catholic Primary School arrived in turquoise hats, the János Vitéz Catholic School in green, the Saint Elisabeth of Hungary School in dark blue and the Zoltán Meszlényi Catholic Primary School in yellow. Cardinal Péter Erdő came in person to greet the students gathered there.

The students sang together the anthem of the 1938 International Eucharistic Congress, the melody of which was written by priest Géza Koudela and the lyrics were written by the Jesuit monk Béla Bangha. The last verse of the hymn also recalls King St. Stephen, the founder of the state, who was born in Esztergom.

This song also remained the anthem of the 52nd IEC. Ákos Kovács was asked to work out the today’s version of the previous anthem. In the 2021 version, the old melody and lyrics were given a modern orchestration. This song also sounded beautiful in the voices of the students of Esztergom.

The flashmob made in Esztergom will be played several times at the 52nd International Eucharistic Congress, which will be held from 5 to 12 September 2021 in Budapest. Prior to the congress, a theological symposium will be held in Esztergom from 2 to 4 September 2021. The detailed program of the International Eucharistic Congress and the flashmob made in Esztergom can be found on the IEC website:

www.iec2020.hu

the 2nd of Sept. 2021 – I Love Esztergom!