WORKING-CLASS GIRL TO BE BEATIFIED

A statue will commemorate the martyrdom of Mária Magdolna Bódi killed by the Soviets 60 years ago.

In memory of Magdolna Bódi, a working-class girl killed at Litér at the end of World War II, a statue will be erected and there are preparations made for her beatification. The 24 years old girl was killed on March 23, 1945 by a Soviet “liberator” as the girl tried to defend herself against the rape. She had promised virginity some years before and wanted to become a nun but because of her poverty she had to work in a factory and organized the local group of Catholic Working Girls’ Union at Fűzfőgyártelep, in Nitrokémia Company. She helped a lot in supporting aged and ill persons and the hospital of wounded soldiers. There will be a conference held in memory of the girl and the local church will be adorned by stained glass pictures illustrating her life. There is an inscription on her tomb in the cemetery of Litér: “Mária Magdolna Bódi, 1921-1945. “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God”.

Translated by Péter Szentmihályi Szabó