FROM HUNGARY

The Hungarian anciennes are proud to be present on the AMASC web-site. We offer our congratulations for the fast establishment of the web-site. Our grateful thanks and appreciation to Trish for the kind message on the feast of the Sacred Heart.

In Hungary, Budapest were two Sacred Heart Schools functioning umtill 1948 when the Communist Regime eradicated all religious schools. In the aftermath of the political changes, many anciennes left the country in 1948. Many more left after the revolution in 1956. The caring of and loyalty to the spirit of the Sacred Heart and to our beloved country, connects us all regardless of living in the country or outside of the country, often on a different continent. The bi-yearly publication of our newsletter "Cor Unum" and the frequent correspondence keeps us connected. Ten years ago, after the Velvet Revolution, the borders were opened so that anyone is able to visit. The visits reaffirm, rejuvenate and deepen our relationships with one another.

Through their contribution to the Hungarian Association the anciennes living in the western developed countries help the elderly ancienns in Hungary many who are in very difficult situations. The student body and their families of the two Sacred Heart schools were the most effected by the political changes after WW II.

We are taking this opportunity on the Web-site to express our appreciation and thanks to the Association of Mexico and its presidentMaria del Carmen who made it possible for us to participate in the well-organized IX Congress in San Luis Potosi. In the speech delivered for us we expressed our deep desire to open a Sacred Heart School in Hungary. There is a great need for the school and the possibilities are also real. During the forty years of Communist Regime there was no religious (ethicoreligious) education in Hungary.

The Hungarian Sacre Coeur Society is part of the Austrian Sacre Coeur Province. The directorate of the Austro-Hungarian province does not see the establishment of a school financially feasible. Also,
qualified staff is not available. For those reasons the Hungarian Association and the ancienns were asked not to dwell on the issue for the time being.

However there are good thing happening. On June 14th our prayers were directed to Rome, the Eternal City, where the first young sister, following the disintegration of the Communist Regime, made her final vows. The sister, who is a teacher, will spend a year in Ireland for extensive training and then return to Hungary. On the 21st of June two sisters took their first vows in Budapest.

The Hungarian anciennes strengthened through hardship and tribulations chose the thought from Saint Magdalene Sophia as their motto: "God gives his grace according to our confidence and trust."

We trust our God and our youth.

Deo gratias.

Eva Szalai-Kohl