“Three bells calling a community to worship.” This is Káposztásmegyeri Szentháromság Plébánia. The Szentháromság Church stands as a testament to faith and community spirit. It is located in Budapest’s Újpest district. Let’s explore its story together.
The Káposztásmegyeri Szentháromság Plébánia was established in 1989. It served a growing residential area. The Váci Diocese founded the parish. Initially, pastoral work centered in an apartment. Services were held in a local community hall. This hall accommodated 300 people.
Imagine Dr. Tomka Ferenc, the parish priest. Envision him alongside Jávorka Lajos. They transformed a simple apartment into a spiritual hub. For six years, this apartment hosted weekday masses. It also was used for parish gatherings. On Sundays, the community gathered in the apartment block’s large hall. This space served as their church. It was owned first by the Communist Party. Later, the local government took ownership.
The area was highly secular. Many young families lived there. A significant number were police and military officers. Yet, the church thrived. Initially, 80 to 100 people attended mass. The community prioritized mutual love. This drew many adults and young people to the church. As the church prepared to build, the active members grew to 800.
Initially, authorities designated a site on the estate’s periphery. After persistent efforts, the church secured a central location. Marosi Izidor laid the cornerstone in 1991. He was the bishop of Vác. Cardinal Paskai László consecrated the church in 1995. He was the Archbishop of Esztergom-Budapest.
B. Greskovics Klára and Becker Gábor designed the church. They were a husband-and-wife architect team. Their design reflected the founders’ vision. It also showed the community’s aspirations.
The ground floor spans 1400 square meters. It includes a chapel for weekday masses. This chapel provides a space for quiet prayer. A large hall hosts Sunday services. This hall also is used for gatherings and events. The building also houses classrooms and offices. There are also apartments for priests.
The basement covers 1000 square meters. It contains an urn cemetery with Szólóssy Enikő’s sculptures. One can also find charity spaces there. Garages, a warehouse and a workshop also are located there. A gymnasium completes the basement facilities.
The attic has 800 square meters. One-third of it is a residential area. Since 1994, three social sisters have lived here. They manage a mental health and family care center.
In 1993, the parish transitioned. It moved from the Diocese of Vác. It became part of the Archdiocese of Esztergom-Budapest.
In 2016, the church added a bell tower. The original plans included one. Saint John Paul II blessed a model of the church. Kosinsky Béla initiated the tower project. He continued Tomka Ferenc’s legacy. The community united to build the tower in five months.
Gombos Miklós cast three new bells. Hámori Kinga explained the bells’ significance. Cardinal Erdő Péter blessed the tower and consecrated the bells. For the first time, bells rang in Káposztásmegyer.
The largest bell is named Szentháromság. The middle bell is named Szűz Mária. The small bell honors Sándor István. He was a martyr with Újpest roots.
The Káposztásmegyeri Szentháromság Plébánia embodies community spirit. It offers spiritual guidance and practical assistance. The church hosts various events. These events create opportunities for fellowship and mission.