March 4
Zoltán Lajos Meszlényi, martyr (1892–1951)
Martyr
Practical advice
Define today in writing a principle that you will not negotiate under pressure and a calm way to defend it.
Biography
Auxiliary bishop of Esztergom, Zoltán Lajos Meszlényi served the Hungarian Church during the communist persecution. After the imprisonment of Cardinal József Mindszenty, he was elected capitular vicar against government pressure. Aware of the danger, he accepted the responsibility not to abandon the faithful. Ten days later he was detained without trial, isolated and subjected to ill-treatment in an internment camp. He died as a result of torture in 1951. Faced with the alternative between fidelity and betrayal, he chose to remain united to the Gospel and the Church.
Example of
FortitudeFaithfulnessSacrifice