Renowned Hungarian Priest Father Imre Kozma Passes Away at 85

GYORZÁMOLY: Father Imre Kozma, a prominent Catholic priest and the founding president of the Hungarian Charity Service of Malta, has died at the age of 85. Known for his extensive humanitarian work and leadership in various religious and social organizations, Father Imre’s life was marked by dedication to serving the needy and advocating for Christian values in public life.

According to KDNP, Father Imre Kozma was born on June 4, 1940, in Gyorzámoly. He graduated from a Benedictine high school in Gyor and subsequently entered a priestly seminary, a bold move during a time when such a career choice attracted state surveillance and persecution. Ordained in 1963, Father Imre’s initial pastoral assignments were in Tát-Dorogbánya and later in Budapest. His tenure at St. Péter church in Alkantar saw overflowing congregations, drawn by his compelling sermons geared towards young adults, despite frequent interference by the state.

Father Imre’s leadership extended beyond traditional pastoral roles; in Zugliget, he
emphasized practical Christianity and initiated a volunteer network that later became the cornerstone of the Hungarian Charity Service of Malta. Founded in 1989, this organization under his guidance launched significant humanitarian initiatives, including setting up the first refugee camp in Budapest for East German families and aiding tens of thousands during the Romanian revolution and South Slavic wars.

In 1997, Father Imre joined the Nursing Mercy Order, enhancing its impact in healthcare across Hungary. Even late into his career, he remained active, embarking on a 140-kilometer pilgrimage at the age of 73 to commemorate fifty years in priesthood. His extensive contributions to society and the church earned him numerous accolades, including being named Man of the Year in 1996, receiving the Central Cross of the Hungarian Republic in 2003, and multiple awards recognizing his lifelong dedication to humanitarian service.

Father Imre Kozma’s legacy is characterized by his unwavering commitment to faith in a
ction, his pioneering role in charitable activities, and his influential pastoral ministry, which has left an indelible mark on Hungary’s religious and social landscape.