The Faces of Man in Borsod-Abaúj- Zempén County

The Faces of Man in Borsod-Abaúj- Zempén County

by Imre Hajdu

konyv_emberarcokThe list of authors : Tibor Balázsi, Tamás Bihall, Béla Csákány, Gyula Fábián, Zoltán Farkas, Sándor Gallyas, Zsolt Gulyik, György Hegedűs, János Hetzi, Sándor Jónás, Lajos Koscsó, Miklós Nádler, János Puskás, Zoltán Soltész, Sándor Szabó, DR. Gábor Szarka, Lajos Tóth

Opening the book, the reader is exposed to the photos of 17 well-known people. Their names are well known since they often appear in the county press and occasionally even in the national papers. They also can be seen on the televison screen in the regional programmes.

It can easily be said, that they are the well-kown and recognized characters of the political, economical and social life of our region, the County of Borsod-Abaúj-Zemplén. They are mayors, members of parliament, managers, executives, successful businessmen. They are used to publicity.

With this volume of interviews, besides introducing many historical and factual references, my aim was to search these people’s heart and soul and present their humane nature to the reader. As an author I did my job with respecting these people and to serve my readers with moral lessons and also to send the message of optimism to them.

Imre Hajdu

The book is available in Hungarian!




The Romantic South-Borsod

The Romantic South-Borsod

by Imre Hajdú

konyv_regenyesI am sitting in front of the cellar of my great-grandfather József Hegyi – alias Father Csáter. It is late in the afternoon. My eyes rest on the landscape embracing the majestic Bükk Hills. I feel the fresh breeze in my face, which is carrying the thousand smells of the Hór – Valley. The setting sun , a red fireball irradiates the fields, the meadows and the vineyards of Gyűrűoldal.

For me, this is a moment of certainty. It is the certainty that here in the heart of South-Borsod, or as I always say, here in the middle of the world, halfway to heaven, this is where I really feel at home.

Talking about South- Borsod, I have to quote the poet : ” I was born here, in this region… ” In fact, this land brings me back to my childhood. I do hope, my body will find rest in this very soil.

Till then, I am here to talk about it. I share with you what I have seen, discovered and love about it. I tell you what had been said and described by the ancestors of this land. Since I feel it my duty.

Imre Hajdu

The book is available in Hungarian!




The Jesuit Mission

The Jesuit Mission. The Small Church in Mezőkövesd

by László Varga

konyv_jezsuitaThis is about the Small Church in Mezőkövesd, that is located on the site of the once Lake Kavicsos, now without a tower and abandoned. This church, led by the apostles of the founder religious order The Society of Jesus, has helped to flourish religious, cultural and social lives of the local people.

It is the duty of the people who once lived here, to capture the spirit of the church community, and to pass it onto the offspring.

Based on the constitution of the order by Ignatius Loyola, the foundation of ‘ the Society of Jesus’ was approved by Pope Paul III on 27 September, 1540. The approval document can be found in the papal bull beginning with the Regimini Militantis Ecclesiae. This collection, which appears 470 years after the foundation, gives the brief general history of the Jesuit religious order.

Their missionary work led them to Mezőkövesd, where their dedicated work resulted in a fine example of a radiating religious community.

Remembrance is just being appropriate. In 2009, the Hungarian Province of the Society of Jesus was 100 years old. This is time for Mezőkövesd to remember, too. Remember with those, who are still able to recall the blessed times of the Heart of Jesus Church and Jesuit Monastry, and to teach those with lack of knowledge or age, what religious, moral and cultural development it meant, the dedicated work of the Jesuits at the time, and where its vitaliy has been rooted ever since.

The foundation stone of the Small Church was laid in 1922. The church was consecrated on 21st January , 1923 and was opened. The Hungarian Jesuit Order operated for a total of 28 years. In 1950 it was eliminated and persecuted by the communist regime.

What would be the case, if the Jesuits could have been active over this past hundred years in Mezőkövesd – one might wonder.

The Jesuit order has been unable to strengthen ever since, there are very few consecrated priests and brothers to help. Operating the Little Church could not be undertaken after the regime change in 1989. The building itself was demolished, the congreation room is abandened, and the tower was also ruined. The bells were moved into the prominent newly built Heart of Jesus Church tower. Many of us grew up and were nursed on spiritual food inside the walls of this church. It is so sad to see the ruin of the tower-less church and wonder, what is going to happen with this looted and abandoned house of the Lord, that shows a cruel sight of decay at present. This is outrageous. The House of Love and Pray deserves much better care than this ! I know no other church with such a horrid fate!

Once this church was humming with religious zest. People of all ages gathered to attend the mass. Tens of thousands came to attend the Heart of Jesus pilgrimage. Its missionary work spread beyond our borders. Thank God! The manuscripts and documents of the Small Church have been survived and can be seen in the History of Jesuit Library in Budapest. These documents form the basis of this present collection, together with the memoirs of witnesses still alive.

László Varga
Local patriot, Mechanical Engineer, Retired Principal of Industrial Property

The book is available in Hungarian!




The Revolution of 1956 in Mezőkövesd

The Revolution of 1956 in Mezőkövesd

Mezőkövesd News Gala Issue

konyv_56emlekszamIn this gala issue you can read about the events happaned in Mezőkövesd in 1956. Sándor Szlovák keen search gives an accurate account of the events in Mezőkövesd and in the environs. He searched for witnesses who were there, who suffered or simply saw what was happening. His work was not an easy one, since most period documents had been lost, so he had to base his work on unwritten sources. The paper commemorates the heroes killed in action. It also contains the speeches held on public holidays (on 23rd October) since 1991 and also articles, paintings and poems on ’56.

The book is available in Hungarian!




Case-Report

Case-Report by József Pataki

The recollection of a militiaman in ’56.

konyv_kortunetAs the subtitle suggests, this book shows the events of the Revolution of 1956 through the troublesome life of the militianman József Pataki. The book pictures the events of both Mezőkövesd and nationwide with a special aspect, when it finally got carried away with the tone of revolution, and will be a suffering subject of the era and the years of repression. This book is not only interesting as a local history document, since it pictures the hard life of a Mezőkövesd born militianman, thus showing the revolution through the burdensome life of a human being.

The book is available in Hungarian!




Our Homeland from 1956 to 2006

Our Homeland from 1956 to 2006

It is a collection of the 1956 events giving a summary of what happened in the county according to the recent research. The journal begins with a portrait hall, including Gábor Mikulás, the President of the Workers’ Council of Mezőkövesd, Dr Béla Mizsei, lawyer, member of the Workers’ Council, Dr Vince Tokár, Deputy Militia Commander, and also József Zámbory Lieutenant, Commander of the National Guard. This is followed by descritions of the events in the county, including details of the events in Mezőkövesd, written by Sándor Szlovák, and finally is complemented by the writings of István Szedresi : ‘ ’56 With A Child’s Eye in Mezőkövesd’ and ‘ About A Child Hero of Mezőkövesd in ’56’. The periodical is closed with a selected topic-based bibliography done by Mrs Judit Székely. The issue and its cover are illustrated with historical photographs.

The book is available in Hungarian!




The Life of a Matyó Vagabond

The Life of a Matyó Vagabond

by István Kovács

konyv_matyovandorAfter the Hungarian Revolution of 1956, engineer István Kovács, escaping from punishment, moved to Australia. He became a succesful designer of motorbikes who finally became a head manager of General Motors in Melbourne. Although he is settled down in Australia, he has been visiting Matyóland for decades. He is a tree-lover, who wants to make the Earth a better place by planting trees on both spheres.

His generosity, commitment and patriotism serve as a fine example for all of us to follow.

The book is available in Hungarian!




Come Rain Come Sun

Come Rain Come Sun by Imre Nagy

On the 50th anniversary of the Brass Band of Mezőkövesd

konyv_fujjukIt is always a pleasure to present a new book to the readers, a book that increases our town’s intellectual heritage. The book ‘ Come Rain Come Sun’ by Imre Nagy is about the past 50 years of the history of the town’s brass band.

The year of 2003 is giving a frame to the story that both begins and ends in that year. The excitement and joy of domestic and overseas experiences and shows are told in the style of colloquial anecdotes. At first it was just the band that became famous, then very soon the majorette group joined the shows and also won fame to the town.

All these events are illustrated with some hundred black-and-white photos paying a tribute both to the founders and the present members of the band and their instruments. Their story is spiced with the stories told by István Fügedi about his mates in the band.

Mrs. Ilona Cservenyák

The book is available in Hungarian!




Purling Springs

Purling Springs

Songs of praise of Mezőkövesd

Recommendation

konyv_csorgedezo‘Purling Springs’ is a special but incomplete collection of songs of praise of Mezőkövesd. This hymn-book is a collection of popular hymns of various religious groups, including both old and latest ones, collected from the followers. Tewnty-five years spent in church service , experience proves that ‘ keeping hymns alive’ is vital in the life of believers. This recognition inspired me to publish this hymn-book, that includes all my observations in the past 15 years in Mezőkövesd and also my experiences : finding God in singing hymns, thanksgiving and praying. I truly believe and hope, that this book helps the young generation to find their way back to the forgotten hymns. I highly recommend this collection of hymns to all, who actively participate in singing and praying.

János Mózer – chorister

One of the issues of the Second Ecumenical Council of the Vatican was that ” Religious hymns should be cherished “. This issue corresponds with the call of my vicar, that was heard on the occasion of the chorister making his oath : ” Cherish and enrich the hymns of these people”. The aim of this little hymn-book is to save and pass on these wonderful folk chants. When you open the book try to sing with the spirit of Saint James : “Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise” / James 5:13 /

László Török – chorister

The book is available in Hungarian!




Mezőkövesd Matyó Embroidery

Mezőkövesd Matyó Embroidery by Marianna Varga

RECOMMENDATION

konyv_matyohimzesMariann Varga ethnographer has been engaged in both national and local Hungarian folk art for almost 50 years.

Her book presents a historical record of the world-famous embroidery, the matyó work and its makers. The reader can learn about the old style ( early 17th 18th century) and the new peasant style ( 19th century) which marked the heyday of the matyó embroidery. It also presents the latest work of arts : the latest trend and several arts and crafts. It also testifies that the matyó embroidery is not only a show-piece but a living tradition that is broadcasting the power of the creative folk artists. The book also provides stitching techniques and raw material and thread ideas thus helping to preserve this tradition. The book is illustrated by many of the high-standard artworks of Mrs Kertész, a great professional folk artist of the nation. You can also learn about the art of duplication, enlarging and making miniatures.

This book is a much and long needed work. It is a unique monograpy that has revealed such depths of the features of the matyó embroidery. It also uniquely presents the more than half a century past and of the the folk art. The drawings, practical guidelines, excellent illustration materials convey rich information material not only for the experts but for parctical embroiderers.

Hajna Barsi

The book is available in Hungarian!