Is it possible that this statue had something to do with a devastating animal disease? Look closely at the Szent Vendel-emlékoszlop. This memorial is dedicated to Saint Vendel. He is the patron saint of shepherds and their flocks.
The identification of the figures on the Szent Vendel-emlékoszlop has caused some trouble. It was difficult to accept that the main figure was Saint Vendel. He can be identified by the ram at his feet. There seems to be no connection between the Dominican order and the depiction on the building.
The Dominican order had a history dating back to the 13th century. The monastery was destroyed during Turkish raids. However the church and its tower remained intact.
I must confess that the exact date of the Szent Vendel-emlékoszlop is uncertain. However a photo proves that the sculpture group stood in its present location in the second half of the 1930s. The story is long and complex. I have given up trying to determine the time.
The creation of the Szent Vendel-emlékoszlop art page has been long awaited. I discovered the sculpture group several times during my walks in the castle. Multiple photo series were taken and awaited processing. Today I realized the art page is timely. August 20 is a double celebration. It is also Saint Vendel’s memorial day. I decided to celebrate it.
Vendel is the patron saint of good animal-keeping farmers, shepherds, and sheep farmers. Legends surround his person. There is conflicting information about his origin. One legend says he was a prince. He lived with his hermit companions in the Rhine region herding flocks.
Vendel was born around 554 in Scotland. His father was the leader of a tribe. His father disapproved of his son’s attraction to Christian culture and the priesthood. So he entrusted him with guarding the flocks. While grazing the sheep, Vendel’s desire for hermitage matured in his heart. He longed for contemplation immersed in God. He decided to make a pilgrimage to the Holy Land and Rome.
Attacks against the Holy Land prevented him to travel further than Rome with six companions. On their way back they settled near Trier. They built a hut in the forest. They began their hermit life with strict fasting and prayer.
Later Vendel became a servant to a farmer. The farmer entrusted him with his pigs, cattle, and sheep. Legend says that Vendel always looked for the best pasture for the sheep. He tirelessly roamed the hills with his flock. His heart longed for his hermitage cell. This longing was so pleasing to God that angels came. They lifted him and his flock and took them to his cell.
There was no water near the cell for the sheep. Vendel prayed to God. Then he stuck his shepherd’s staff into the ground. Immediately a rich spring sprang from the ground. His master rode by and sternly questioned Vendel. He asked why he had taken the livestock so far. Vendel promised that he and his flock would be home in time. When the farmer arrived home he was shocked. Vendel was already waiting and the sheep were all in the fold. The farmer was amazed by these miracles. He dismissed Vendel so that he could freely live his hermit life.
He did not remain alone for long. The hermits who settled around him respected him so much. They chose him as their leader. According to one legend, they formed a community while Vendel was still alive. They built a monastery. They chose Vendel as the abbot of the community. They lived according to the Benedictine rule. Vendel died in 617.
Legends about him originated after 1417. Vendel’s miracles mainly occurred among victims of epidemics. Those who invoked his help in their animals’ troubles experienced his benevolent intercession.
The animal stock was the basis of livelihood in Pilisborosjenő. The villagers often prayed to him for help. On his feast day October 20, it was a beautiful custom. People marched in procession to the statue to pray, sing. They asked for God’s blessing. When the procession arrived, the shepherds drove the herd nearby. The lads rode out with the horses. The priest blessed the animals as well.