A Flash mob of 2200 students from six schools welcomed the start on September 5, 2021, of the 52nd International Eucharistic Congress from Esztergom, from the center of the Hungarian Catholic Church.
The flash mob was organized in front of the largest church of Hungary, the Basilica of Esztergom. The attraction was witnessed not only by locals but also by many of the participants of the International Theological Symposium, held in the city.
Students were singing the anthem of the 1938 Eucharistic Congress, approaching the iconic location from five directions, finally forming a huge cross in front of the Basilica stairs. Surprisingly the first person to step out from the Basilica was not Csaba Török parish priest, but Cardinal Péter Erdő himself. The Archbishop of Esztergom-Budapest spoke about the youth, being an integral part of the World Event. Youth is the sign of joy and hope, which the world is in great need of. Afterward, he blessed the volunteers of the Congress and all those who dedicated themselves with work and prayers to support the Congress organization.
“All my springs are in you” – cites the Psalm, the motto of the Congress. Csaba Pindroch, an actor, one of the 12 IEC messengers, regularly returns to the source, to the Temesvári Pelbárt Ferenc Franciscan high school of Esztergom. In the flashmob he is seen walking along the corridors of his Alma Mater with his former class master and spiritual father, Father Kapisztrán, finally, he sits at the school desk again.
Besides Csaba Pindroch, other IEC messengers, including Bogi Nagy, Gabi Tóth, Máté Czinke, and Gergő Dánielfy singers were walking together with the students, representing the Congress volunteers.
Budapest will host the event from September 5-12. The Holy Father is expected to celebrate the closing mass on 12 September 12, organizers of the event announced.
The Congress began on September 5 in Budapest’s Heroes’ Square with a grandiose opening ceremony including the performance of a choir of one thousand singers. This event was also the opening mass of all Hungarian Catholic schools and a real Eucharistic Celebration, as vast numbers are going to partake of the First Communion on that day.
The main venue for the Congress’ events will be the Hungexpo Exhibition and Fair Center from 6 to 10 September. Testimonials will be given and lectures delivered in addition to the holy masses. Lecturers and pilgrims are expected to arrive from five continents.
Pope Francis will celebrate the closing Mass of the event on September 12.
