Easter goes fully online for the first time in history

As per the decree of the Hungarian Catholic Bishops’ Conference initiated in response to the coronavirus pandemic, in effect since March 22, 2020, Roman Catholic masses are – for the time being – held online within the virtual realms of the Internet, and beyond that in the comfort of our homes. 

For the first time in history, Easter masses will be held online. Families, those residing together, or those who live alone can take part in the Easter Triduum through live broadcasts on Facebook, YouTube, as well as through Hungarian TV channels: Bonum TV and Duna Channel, which are both accessible online. Mária Rádió, or Mary Radio, is also a great option for those who wish to listen to the masses via the radio. The faithful can choose where they wish to celebrate Easter this year, albeit virtually. For Hungarians living abroad, these digital initiatives serve as a great opportunity to unite – in the virtual sense – with Hungarians living in the Carpathian Basin. 

Csíksomlyó 

Serving as the single most important pilgrimage site of the Magyar people, the Marian shrine of Csíksomlyó, located in Transylvania, regularly uploads masses and devotions to their YouTube channel: Csíksomlyó Élő.

Taking part in their Easter services online is a wonderful way of going on a pilgrimage – virtually. 

Pannonhalma 

The Benedictine Archabbey of Pannonhalma, located in Győr-Moson-Sopron County, dates back to 996 AD. Let the channels of Benedictine spirituality guide you as you tune into their services: Pannonhalma Benedictine Archabbey.

Budapest 

The capital also holds ample opportunities for spiritual renewal, also in the digital sense. Here are a few popular options: 

Saint Stephen’s Basilica: Live Broadcast via Facebook

Franciscans: Országúti Franciscan Parish Church

Jesuits: Sacred Heart Jesuit Church

Masses from the diocese of Pécs can be viewed on their YouTube channel: Diocese of Pécs.

The Marian shrine of Máriagyűd in Southern Hungary, near the city of Pécs, is also an exciting, perhaps lesser-known option: Máriagyűd Shrine.

Additionally, online Easter broadcasts will be held in the cities of Győr, Kalocsa, Kaposvár, Miskolc, Szeged, Szombathely, and Vác, among many others. After an easy Facebook search of the city and church you are looking for, you are already there.