Hungary’s Blessed László Institute: ‘The children are waiting for someone they already know’

Blessed László Batthyány-Strattmann Institute in Hungary (Blessed László Batthyány-Strattmann Institute)

By Deborah Castellano Lubov

Apr 30 2023

In an interview with Vatican News, Inotay György, organizing Pope Francis’ visit to the disabled and blind children of the Blessed László Batthyány-Strattmann Institute, says ‘the children are waiting for someone they already know,’ and that faith is key to the institute’s life and activities. Mr. György had run the Church-run Institute, until being named the Director of the Koszisz organization which sustains it and a network of similar charitable entities.

The children of Hungary’s Blessed László Batthyány-Strattmann Institute ‘are waiting for someone they already know.’

In an interview with Vatican News, Inotay György, organizing Pope Francis’ visit to the disabled and blind children of the Blessed László Batthyány-Strattmann Institute, who ran the Church-run institute until he recently was named the Director of the Koszisz organization which sustains the Institute and a network of similar charitable entities, expresses great joy for Pope Francis’ visit and says these children cannot wait to meet the Holy Father. The Church-run institution is maintained by support from the Church, State, and private donations.

Reflecting on how the Institute’s cares for the children, he said at the Blessed László Batthyány-Strattmann, they provide education, training and home for 70 children and young people. Most of them are blind and visually impaired, but there are also disabled and mentally handicapped residents.

‘Life of faith is decisive’

The institution was founded 41 years ago by Sister Anna Fehér, and has been operating at its current location, Svábhegy, for about 30 years.

Children, he explained, are taught and trained by teachers and special education teachers. Physiotherapists help with movements, and caregivers and nurses, take care of everyday activities.

“The life of faith is decisive, we celebrate Holy Mass three times a week in the chapel of the house. In addition, spiritual exercises, spiritual days and the joint celebrations of church holidays constitute religious life.”

In the summer, they organize small group holidays in the institute’s holiday house at Lake Balaton, and during the rest of the year excursions and cultural programs enrich the everyday life of young people.

Visited by Mother Teresa

“There has been a great visit to the building before, in the past Mother Teresa personally visited us.”

Mr. György discussed the great emotion for Pope Francis to visit them.

The Hungarian organizing this visit to these children shed light on the legacy of Blessed László Batthyány-Strattmann, for whom the Institute was named, and why he remains an important source of inspiration for Hungarian Catholics.

Blind children prepare for Pope Francis

“It is a great honour for us that the Holy Father takes the time to visit our residents. Our choir is preparing a short program, and all those who participated in the visit have learned the Our Father in Latin so that we can pray together with the Holy Father.”

Blind young people working in the workshop of the institute are prepareing a personal gift for Pope Francis.

He emphasized that not only the staff and residents of the institute, but also their families are happy about this visit.

‘The doctor of the poor’

“Blessed László Batthyány-Strattmann is known in Hungary only as a doctor for the poor,” Mr. György said, reflecting on a loved, but little known Hungarian Blessed.

Decades after his death, he was beatified by Pope St. John Paul II.

“Due to Strattmann’s family background, he had the opportunity to attend excellent university courses, during which he became an ophthalmologist. He was a family-oriented, deeply religious man, and had 12 children from his marriage. After graduating from university, he founded a private hospital, where he treated those in need completely free of charge.”

“The loss of his son strengthened him in his faith and in his profession as a doctor.”

Prayer framed his life and trials

“Strattman is an example for us to follow because he helped everyone without discrimination. He grieved. He gave his materials goods to all those in need,” the organizer of the Pope’s visit to the children of the Institute stated.

“The trials of life strengthened him and prayers framed his daily life.”

The doctor, known for his selfless care and service, even when he was ill and would later die from cancer, never gave up hope or faith, and instead let it empower him to always better serve Christ and others.

Mr. György concluded by reassuring that everyone “is really happy around in the building right now.”

“The children are preparing as they are waiting for someone who they already know.”

The Koszisz network which Mr. Gjorgy leads, directs the Batthynay Institute along with a system of some 50 other entities which all do similar social work, including for homeless people and education. – Vatican News