Bishop Áron Márton
In partnership with the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Alba Iulia (Gyulafehérvár) and with its support, the Democratic Alliance of Hungarians in Romania (RMDSZ) parliamentary group has submitted a bill that would declare 2026 the “Memorial Year of Bishop Áron Márton.”
“The contribution of the Hungarian community to the moral, cultural, and historical heritage of the country is not a matter of debate, but a historical fact. Recognizing this is not a matter of goodwill, but part of a responsible and accurate interpretation of our shared past. The RMDSZ would like to elevate this recognition to the level of law,” said Ödön Szabó, RMDSZ MP for Bihar County.
Áron Márton is not only one of the greatest moral role models for Hungarians in Romania, but also a defining figure in 20th-century Romanian history.
As bishop of Transylvania, he consistently stood up for the protection of human dignity against all dictatorships: during the war, the Holocaust, and communist oppression. His words and deeds did not divide, but protected; they did not incite, but built bridges between communities.
“The draft law also draws attention to the fact that Áron Márton was awarded the title of Righteous Among the Nations by the Yad Vashem Institute for his courageous stand in defense of Romanian Jewry. This fact is part of Romania’s history and represents a moral standard that should continue to guide society as a whole in the future. Throughout his life, Áron Márton consistently emphasized that Transylvania’s multilingual and multi-religious world is a value, not a threat.
He was convinced that fair coexistence between the majority and minorities does not weaken but strengthens the state. This message is still valid in Romania today. The fact that Pope Francis recognized Áron Márton’s heroic virtues in 2024 and that his beatification is in progress is not just a church event.
It is proof that the example set by a Hungarian bishop from Transylvania has become a universal moral standard,”
Ödön Szabó is quoted as saying in the RMDSZ statement. The representative added that the legal recognition of the “Áron Márton Memorial Year” would send a clear message: Romania is able and willing to appreciate the moral role models and heritage originating from and rooted in the Hungarian community, and considers those individuals who chose humanity even in the most difficult times to be a shared value.
This is not a reminder of the past, but a building block for the future. At the same time, the legislation also creates an opportunity to showcase the life and legacy of Áron Márton in 2026 through cultural, educational, and community events.
Via maszol.ro; Featured image: Wikipedia
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