Forming New Beginnings: A Guide to Starting Fresh
Cardinal Dominik Duka was recently awarded the Esterházy Prize at a ceremony held in Parliament. The event was organized in memory of János Esterházy, a martyred leader of the Hungarian minority in Slovakia. The Minister of the Prime Minister’s Office, Gergely Gulyás, highlighted the significance of János Esterházy’s mission, which focused on representing the rights and interests of Hungarians in Slovakia while promoting unity with the Slovak and Czech peoples. Gulyás emphasized the role of faith in overcoming the challenges posed by communism, citing János Esterházy as an example of resilience and courage in the face of oppression.
Cardinal Dominik Duka, a retired Archbishop of Prague, was honored for his unwavering commitment to serving the Hungarian community in Prague and fostering friendly relations between different ethnic groups. Gulyás commended Cardinal Duka for standing by János Esterházy’s legacy and supporting persecuted individuals during challenging times. The minister also acknowledged the unresolved historical issues in Central Europe and stressed the importance of solidarity and cooperation among nations in the region.
During the ceremony, the Rákóczi Association presented the Esterházy Prize to Cardinal Dominik Jaroslav Duka and the Association of Hungarian Large Families of Transcarpathia. Cardinal Péter Erdő, Archbishop of Esztergom and Budapest, praised Cardinal Duka for his advocacy for victims of communism and his efforts to promote mutual understanding between Czechs and Hungarians. Cardinal Duka, in turn, spoke about the unfinished task of beatifying János Esterházy and called for his political rehabilitation in Czech and Slovak historiography.
The ceremony concluded with Cardinal Duka blessing János Esterházy’s personal rosary, a poignant symbol of the politician’s resilience and faith during his imprisonment. The event underscored the importance of remembering the sacrifices made by individuals like János Esterházy in the struggle for freedom and justice. The award ceremony served as a reminder of the common heritage shared by nations in Central Europe and the need to work together to address past injustices and build a brighter future for all.
