Budapest’s iconic landmark, St Stephen’s Basilica celebrates 120 years!

The 120th anniversary of one of Budapest’s most iconic landmarks, St Stephen’s Basilica, was marked with a spectacular light projection, a solemn mass, and a concert. During the mass, Cardinal Péter Erdő, Archbishop of Esztergom-Budapest, highlighted in his homily that the basilica’s 120-year history reflects the path of divine providence.

What stories do the walls of St Stephen’s Basilica tell?

The Cardinal noted: “The walls, paintings, and statues—and indeed the souls within—bear witness to a history of wars and destruction, renewal and construction.” He added that the basilica’s patron saint, King Saint Stephen, is the protector of the entire Hungarian nation, and that it is a “special grace” that the church preserves the Holy Right Hand.

He emphasised that the faith life of St Stephen’s Basilica’s parish community demonstrates that “an intimate encounter with Christ is possible even in the heart of the capital, amidst the often overwhelming noise.” In fact, he said, it is not only possible but something we long for, “because we feel that it is a true source of strength for our personal lives, our parish community, our Church, and the entire Hungarian nation.”

At the beginning of the mass, the Cardinal remarked that the anniversary is not only an occasion to give thanks for the magnificent building itself but also for the community within the basilica, for the “faith and life” that continue to thrive within its walls, some expressions of which may be stronger than ever.

The evening concluded with a concert by the basilica’s choir and organists.

A birthday retrospective of St Stephen’s Basilica

According to the Archdiocese of Esztergom-Budapest, the 120th anniversary is also marked in the Archdiocese’s Christmas magazine with a 30-page illustrated feature on the cathedral. Alongside historical essays, the feature presents the church as a home for prayer, art, and the living community it houses.