“The Angel of Budapest” they called her. This Csilla Von Boeselager Bust commemorates a remarkable woman. It honors her tireless efforts during a pivotal moment in European history.
Csilla von Boeselager was born Csilla Fényes in Budapest in 1941. Her family was of Hungarian nobility. World War II forced them to flee. They sought refuge first in Germany. Then they moved to Venezuela in South America.
Csilla’s journey took her to the United States. She studied chemistry at Vassar College in New York. After graduating in 1961, she began working for a German chemical company. Later, she returned to Europe. She married Baron Wolfhard von Boeselager.
Csilla’s life took a decisive turn in 1989. Thousands of refugees from East Germany sought shelter in Budapest. Csilla spontaneously proposed that the German government care for them. Refugee camps were set up in Zugliget and Csillebérc.
From 1982 until her death in 1994, Csilla was active in the Malteser Hilfsdienst. This is the German branch of the Order of Malta’s relief organization. In 1989, she helped found the Magyar Máltai Szeretetszolgálat in Hungary. This is the Hungarian Maltese Charity Service.
Her actions earned her the nickname “Engel von Budapest”. That translates to “Angel of Budapest”. She helped to organize emergency care for over 30000 refugees. These refugees came from East Germany and other places.
Csilla von Boeselager played a crucial role. She mediated between international media and the refugees. She also negotiated with the German embassy and Hungarian politicians. She contributed to the peaceful opening of the Iron Curtain. She even translated for the refugees when the Hungarian foreign minister announced that they could leave for the West.
Her dedication earned her numerous awards. These included the Bundesverdienstkreuz am Bande. This is the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany. She also received the Verdienstkreuz Pro Merito Melitensi. This is an award from the Sovereign Military Order of Malta.
After her death, her work continued through the Csilla von Boeselager Stiftung. That translates to Csilla von Boeselager Foundation. It provides aid to six countries in Eastern Europe. These countries are Hungary, Serbia, Romania, Poland, and Ukraine.
Csilla von Boeselager’s legacy lives on. Her bust serves as a reminder. It reminds us of her compassion and dedication to helping others. Her life was a testament to the power of humanitarian work. She proved that one person can make a difference.