Bl. János Brenner

During the 1950s, a Soviet-Communist government occupied Hungary and was strict in its stance against the Catholic Church. The government promoted its atheistic agenda and persecuted Catholics, especially bishops and priests. It was in such a difficult atmosphere that Bl. János Brenner was ordained a priest in 1955.

After ordination, Brenner was appointed to be a chaplain at Rábakéthely. Everyone loved him there and he attracted many youth and young adults. It was his youth ministry that drew the ire of the Communist government, who did not want him to influence young people, taking them away from atheism.

According to the IEC 2021 website, "One autumn evening, when he was on his way home on his motorcycle from Farkasfa, unknown people threw logs in from of him, but with a few manoeuvres he managed to avoid them. When he arrived at home, he said 'They weren't lucky,' and had a good laugh." However, while he was able to avoid this first attempt on his life, he didn't escape the second one. On a dark December night 1957, Brenner received word that someone was dying and needed viaticum, reception of the Eucharist before the person died. In reality, this was a trap, as his accusers knew that he would do anything for his flock.

When he reached the address, "with the Eucharist around his neck, they killed him, stabbed him 32 times." His example of faithfulness under fierce persecution has been an inspiration to many. On May 1, 2018, Brenner was beatified by Pope Francis as a martyr.