In the “Vocation of a Life – Pannonia Sacra” section, we present József Mindszenty’s childhood, studies, ordination, and his service as parish priest in Zalaegerszeg.
Here visitors can learn much about his attachment to his birthplace, his studies, and his decades in Zalaegerszeg between the two world wars – an extremely productive period in terms of religious life, construction projects, social support, and the flourishing of cultural life.
Baptismal Font of Mindszenty
At the centre of the room stands a symbolic baptismal font made from nearly one ton of soil compacted from the garden of his parental home, evoking József Mindszenty’s baptism and ordination as a priest. Two ancient hymns from his native village’s ethnographic collection are played here: the “All Saints” hymn and the Litany of Our Lady of Loreto.
Baptismal font made from the soil of his parental home
The two hands symbolize the blessing, giving, loving priestly hands anointed with chrism, recalling the moment in 1915 when Father Mindszenty’s hands were anointed with holy oil at his ordination.
Name Change: From Pehm to Mindszenty
The later cardinal’s love for his birthplace is shown by the fact that in 1942 he Hungarianized his surname from Pehm to Mindszenty.
Selfie with József Pehm
Take a selfie with young József Pehm! On the wall, find József Pehm’s only childhood photograph and signature, as well as his high school graduation portrait.
It is worth visiting his birthplace house and its exhibition in Csehimindszent, located 30 km from Zalaegerszeg. It is proudly presented by Imre Fukszberger (grandson of Anna Mindszenty, József Mindszenty’s sister), who has been the village’s mayor since 1990. Regular Mindszenty masses, programs, and pilgrimages are held there to commemorate the cardinal.
Liturgical Vestment
A 19th-century gold-embroidered chasuble. On its front is an image of St. Mary Magdalene. This vestment was worn by József Mindszenty not only as a parish priest on major feast days, but also as Prince Primate during the “Year of Our Lady”, at the Zalaegerszeg Marian Days held on 8 September 1948.
A beautiful motif on the chasuble
On the back of the vestment, a depiction of the Annunciation (Our Lady of the Immaculate Conception, “Gyümölcsoltó Boldogasszony”) can be found, which is also shown in the exhibition’s visual guide.
Our Favourite: 25 Years in Zalaegerszeg
On the display column, selected pages from the newspaper *Zalamegyei Ujság*, edited by József Mindszenty, are shown. Mindszenty’s urban development work still defines the cityscape of Zalaegerszeg today. The schematic map shows buildings connected to him: the expanded parish, the Sacred Heart Franciscan church and monastery, and the Notre Dame school complex.
As a result of his work, sixteen new parishes and several schools began operation. He followed the lives of the young priests placed under his care with fatherly attention and actively contributed to the furnishing of their churches.
Articles from the Zalamegyei Ujság
Browse the articles of the *Zalamegyei Ujság* on the touchscreen, where you can find even more interesting details about life in Zalaegerszeg between the two world wars.
