Saint Emeric (c. 1007 – 1031), whose feast day is today, was the son of King Saint Stephen and Queen Blessed Gisela, and was one of the most prominent figures in Hungarian history and the Catholic Church. He received a thorough Christian upbringing, in which Bishop Saint Gellért (picture 1) played an important role; as his tutor and spiritual guide, he helped him to deepen his faith, knowledge and moral values. Even as a young man, Prince Imre stood out for his piety, modesty, purity and love for others. His father intended him to be the heir to the throne and therefore carefully prepared him for rulership; however, in 1031, he lost his life in a tragic accident whilst out hunting. His death was a great loss to the young Hungarian Christian state. In recognition of his exemplary life and virtues, he was canonised in 1083, alongside Saint Stephen and Saint Gellért. Saint Imre is the patron saint of Hungarian youth and remains to this day a role model of purity of life, fidelity to the faith and Christian values.

The photographs were taken in the summer of 2024, when members of the Hungarian Alexian community visited Bakonybél with Brother Barry, where Saint Gellért, Prince Imre’s tutor, lived as a hermit.