Márton Áron az igazság őre, az üldözöttek védelmezője és népének jó pásztora
Márton Áron az igazság őre, az üldözöttek védelmezője és népének jó pásztora

Summary/Abstract: In the prayer dedicated to Márton Áron’s canonization, the author, Archbishop Bálint Lajos, attributed three features to the former Bishop of Alba Iulia: the guardian of truth, the protector of the persecuted, and a good shepherd of his people. All three features are exceptionally embodied by Márton Áron. He was the guardian of truth both in his speeches and in his deeds as a leading priest. Imitating Christ, he learned and practiced true humanity (human nature). In all circumstances he was ready to stand up for the truth. During the most critical times, he put it this way: “To a priest of Christ, it is a duty one cannot refuse to stand up for the truth and to see in his fellow man – irrespective of the confession they belong to or language they speak – his brother.” His words always found support in his life, accepting the prison and his house arrest, too. Márton Áron was a defender of the persecuted, although a signifi cant period of his bishopric, he was the subject of persecution. He raised his voice for Hungarians, Jews, Romanians and Germans alike who were persecuted in Transylvania. Márton Áron was a good shepherd for the Christians entrusted to him. Th e people in Transylvania, even people of other religions, soon discovered in him an apostle of Christ, the good shepherd. But Márton Áron did his best not to deceive these people. He remained constantly true to the great promise he made when he was consecrated as bishop: “I promise I want to see my brother in all struggling people, and I will help them as much as I could.” Márton Áron fought for justice for the suff ering people – this is how he became a good shepherd. As the Good Shepherd – faithful to his slogan (Non recuso laborem) – he never turned down work and the suff ering implied by it. We trust that the features attributed to him in the canonization prayer are highly adequate to the Servant of God, Bishop Márton Áron.

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