Cardinal Mindszenty József

(Solid Hungarian born in Mindszent March 1892, Vas County, father’s name was Pehm János and mother’s name Kovács Borbála). Mother’s ancestors were indentured to Count Zrinyis in Zala County, thus tied to ancient Hungarian family names.

In few words about the Cardinal, he was simply a victim of persecution by the Fascists and the Communists. Also a prisoner of conscience he refused to purchase freedom by betraying the Church of Christ. Much to be paralleled in likeness to St.Thomas More of modern Europe.

His memories are an extraordinary contribution to contemporary history –an eye witness account of a country and its people confronting Nazi aggression and Communists domination in the Cold War era: the story of a truly determined man to fight for PEACE, MORALITY and FREEDOM for man on this planet. He refused time and time again to let political expediency supersede the principles in which he believed and the faith that he maintained.

His natural gift of leadership and spirituality, were discernible at an early age and in 1945 Pope Pius XII appointed him primate of Hungary.