BY ANDREA GAGLIARDUCCI
ACI Stampa, 2023-04-13
Pope Francis’ visit to Hungary on Saturday, April 29, will include a private visit to the Blind Center named after Blessed Batthyány-Strattmann, an institution founded by Sister Anna Feher, who passed away last year. But who was Blessed Batthyány-Strattmann, and why was he given such an honor?
Blessed László Antal János Batthyány-Strattmann was a Hungarian aristocrat, born in 1870, who chose to pursue medicine rather than enjoy the privileges of his noble status. He faced many challenges in his life, including being left without a father and mother at a young age, and studying various courses before discovering his vocation to become a doctor.
Despite these challenges, Blessed László went on to become a renowned physician and surgeon, specializing in ophthalmology. He opened the first rural hospital in Hungary and provided free medicine to patients who couldn’t afford it. He even paid their debts at the end of the month, earning him the nickname “the doctor of the poor.”
After the Treaty of Trianon, Blessed László moved to his castle in Körmend and built a hospital for people with eye problems. He, along with his wife, took care of 80-100 patients every day. In the last ten years of his life, he became a devout Catholic, praying the Little Office of the Immaculate Conception every day, attending Mass with his family, and praying the Rosary in the evening. He even became a member of the Third Franciscan Order, along with his wife and family members.
Blessed László passed away in 1931 and was buried in the family crypt in the local Franciscan monastery in Güssing, Austria. He was beatified in 2003 by St. John Paul II.
The Blind Center named after Blessed Batthyány-Strattmann, which Pope Francis visited during his trip to Hungary, was founded by Sister Anna Feher, who herself was visually impaired. She opened the center for visually impaired children during the communist regime, facing numerous persecutions. The institution bears the name of Blessed László as a tribute to his life’s work and his dedication to helping the poor and the sick.
In conclusion, Blessed László Antal János Batthyány-Strattmann was a remarkable figure who devoted his life to serving others. His legacy lives on through the Blind Center named after him, which continues to help visually impaired children in Hungary. The honor of a private visit by Pope Francis to the center underscores the importance of Blessed László’s work and serves as an inspiration to those who seek to serve the poor and the marginalized.
Andrea Gagliarducci is an Italian journalist for Catholic News Agency and Vatican analyst for ACI Stampa. He is a contributor to the National Catholic Register.
