Does it surprise you that a simple rented house hosts a chapel? Here, at Hentes street 17, stands the Szent Borbála-kápolna. It is a testament to faith. It rose from the ashes of war. This is the Szent Borbála-kápolna.
In 1907, believers gathered. They assembled in the Outer Soroksári Road school’s gym. They wished to worship. Shvoy Lajos, a high school religious instructor celebrated the first mass on October 15. He later became the Bishop of Székesfehérvár.
In 1924, the Auxiliary Chapel Association formed. By 1926, the Outer Soroksári Road Church Community had been organized. A chapel opened in the basement of the Illatos Road school. It bore the title of Mary. From 1926, it functioned as a local pastorate.
Construction began in 1941 on a proper church. It was located at the corner of Illatos and Kén streets. The church covered 535 square meters. István Pázmády designed it. On January 1, 1942, it became an independent parish. Saint Borbála was its patron saint.
Tragedy struck on April 3, 1943. A bomb attack heavily damaged the nearly completed church. Lacking funds, construction halted. The remaining ruins were scavenged for materials. Approximately two thousand people died during World War II within the parish. They were victims of bomb attacks.
Since 1949, the parish has used a chapel at Hentes street 17. The Szent Borbála-kápolna occupies the ground floor of a rented building. It is a small space of only 50 square meters. In 1971, the chapel received a new liturgical arrangement. Horváth Hádám designed it. The chapel, office, and residence are all rentals.
In 1994, the parish dissolved. Its territory joined the Central Ferencváros Parish. This parish now oversees the Szent Borbála-kápolna.
The Szent Borbála-kápolna stands as a symbol of resilience. It rose from the rubble of war. It offers solace to those seeking peace. The annual búcsú or feast, is celebrated on December 4. The Szent Borbála-kápolna connects to the Pál Szent Vince Parish in Ferencváros. It is part of the Esztergom-Budapest Archdiocese.
So next time you pass Hentes street 17, remember the Szent Borbála-kápolna. Remember its humble beginnings. Remember the community that keeps its spirit alive.