Ever wondered how a community’s faith can literally build a church? Here at u00c9rd-Tusculanum templom the story is just that. This isn’t just a building it is a testament to devotion. It reflects the spirit of a growing community in u00c9rd.
Back in 1928 the area now known as Tusculanum was being divided into parcels. People flocked here from Budapest. They sought to cultivate their new properties. Weekends saw them arriving en masse. They came ready to transform their plots.
Recognizing their spiritual needs Kudó József a local priest started holding open-air masses in 1930. These services took place among the beautiful pine trees near the u00c9rd-felső stop. Imagine the scene. People arriving with their gardening tools. They gathered not just for labor but for prayer.
The community felt the need for a dedicated space. A church building committee formed as early as 1930. Their aim was ambitious to erect a proper house of worship.
As the seasons changed so did the venue for mass. Szabó’s villa became the winter sanctuary. Varsányi Mihály bought the unfinished villa. He prepared the large dining room for services. The parishioners even acquired a small bell. Kudó József blessed it in 1934.
In June 1934 Bishop Shvoy Lajos laid the cornerstone for a new church. This marked a significant step. However the initial construction faced serious setbacks.
A chapel building committee formed in 1935. Architect Pintér János designed the chapel. It was blessed in September 1936. Sadly construction flaws threatened its collapse. Engineer Kiss Dezső reinforced the chapel in 1937. He added supporting columns.
After the war in 1945 Tusculanum-Postástelep became an independent pastoral district. Shvoy Lajos appointed Sugár Mihály as its first chaplain. The parish numbered over 2300 faithful.
Sugár Mihály served until 1948. Illness forced him to step down. Ásguthy-Folláth József replaced him. Later Dr Szabadkai József took over in 1951.
Dr Bélafalvy Imre arrived in 1959. He led the community for many years. He recalled the old chapel as a gymnasium-like structure. It had structural problems. Iron rods held the ceiling together. Engineers deemed it dangerous.
Despite challenges and bureaucratic hurdles a new church began to rise. The authorities were reluctant to grant permission. The persistent community finally succeeded.
Between 1963 and 1966 the new u00c9rd-Tusculanum templom took shape. Kisberk Imre auxiliary bishop consecrated it in October 1966. It was dedicated to Mary Mother of the Church.
In 1971 a room was added above the sacristy. This served as the parish priest’s residence until 1980. The current rectory’s construction started in 1971. It became habitable in August 1980.
Bélafalvy Imre established an urn cemetery within the church walls. This columbarium continues to expand.
After Imre Atya’s sudden passing in 1995 u00c9rd-Újváros oversaw the parish. Later in 2000 Miklós Dezső took over. Tokodi Bence followed in 2007. Boros Zoltán led from 2008. Mojzer György is the parish priest since 2014.
For years the community dreamed of a proper church facade. They envisioned a more traditional form. Recently their vision came to fruition. An atrium arcade and tower were added. This construction is nearing completion.
u00c9rd-Tusculanum templom stands as a symbol of faith perseverance and community. It started from open-air masses. It evolved through temporary spaces. It culminated in the beautiful structure we see today. Its story is etched into every stone and echoes in every prayer.