Did his last thoughts drift to the women he saved? Here at the Apor Vilmos Plaque, we remember a man of unwavering faith and courage. Bishop Vilmos Apor. His life, a testament to his motto, “The cross strengthens the gentle, tames the strong,” unfolded in extraordinary times. Born into nobility, Apor chose a life of service, becoming a priest in 1915. He witnessed the horrors of World War I as a chaplain, an experience that solidified his commitment to protecting the vulnerable.
The Apor Vilmos Plaque reminds us of his defiance during the Hungarian Soviet Republic, teaching religion despite bans. His generosity knew no bounds. He donated vast sums to charity, even giving away most of his parish’s food supply during Christmas 1925. Apor’s influence extended beyond the church. He advocated for social change, starting a parish newspaper and establishing religious associations. He became Bishop of Győr in 1941. Apor Vilmos was a staunch opponent of Nazism, warning against extremist ideologies even before the war began. He was a vocal critic of anti-Semitic laws. He worked tirelessly to protect those persecuted, often hiding them in his own residence, defying threats from powerful figures.
As World War II raged, Apor shielded Jews and secured protection letters for them through various channels, including his sister at the Hungarian Red Cross. He personally protested the establishment of ghettos. When the Soviets reached Győr in 1945, Apor sheltered hundreds in the Bishop’s Castle cellars amidst the shelling. On Good Friday, he faced his ultimate test. Soviet soldiers demanded women be handed over. Apor, knowing their likely fate, refused. He hid the women and children in the castle dungeons. The soldiers returned, drunk and enraged. Apor attempted to stop them. Shots were fired.
Apor Vilmos was mortally wounded, dying on Easter Monday. He prayed for his flock, for his murderers, and for the safety of those he protected until his last breath. The bullet marks at the Bishop’s Castle are a stark reminder of this tragic event. Apor was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1997. The Apor Vilmos Plaque stands not only as a memorial but as a symbol of resistance, courage, and unwavering faith in the face of unimaginable evil. His legacy continues to inspire, a testament to the power of one man’s devotion to protecting the powerless.