Our Blessed Friends #2

 “I AM NOT AFRAID”

Anasztáz János Brenner

It was a cold December morning when the villagers came upon the murdered priest. They gasped as they recognized him as the beloved Father Anasztáz. Covered in 32 wounds, the courageous priest still clutched the Eucharist close to his heart. Who was this “Hungarian Tarcisius”, and what had happened to him?

Born János Brenner to a Hungarian couple almost 26 years earlier, Father Anasztáz was the second of three boys. He attended a Cistercian school in his homeland of Hungary until the communists closed it. His experiences with the Cistercians caused Father Anasztáz to discern religious life. At the age of eighteen, he began his studies for the priesthood, taking the name Anasztáz. Six years later he was ordained and adopted the Biblical motto of Romans 8:28 - “ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER FOR GOOD TO THOSE WHO LOVE G’D.” 

Father Anasztáz used his energy to teach people about the faith, especially children. He was told by the communists to stop, but he would not bow to their demands. He trusted G’D and that helped him remain courageous in the face of threats and even attempts on his life. The bishop, however, was concerned and he offered Father Anasztáz a position elsewhere. Father remarked, “I AM NOT AFRAID; I WOULD LIKE TO STAY.”

On 14 December 1957, Father Anasztáz received word that a dying man was in need of last rites. Father rushed to him, even in the late hour, but was ambushed by communists in the forest and killed. The communists hoped his murder would discourage Catholics from practicing their faith, but Father’s example only strengthened their faith.

Now, with the communism enforced by the Soviet Union dissipated, a chapel stands on the site where Father Anasztáz fell. It stands courageously as a reminder of the holy courage that we can all take up if we put our trust completely in G’D.