President Tamás Sulyok visited the St. Francis Foundation’s children’s home in Deva (Déva, Romania), praising Franciscan friar, Csaba Böjte’s decades of service to disadvantaged children. The visit included gifts for children from several Transylvanian homes and performances by the kids in return.
Father Csaba’s St. Francis Foundation, founded in 1993, has significantly impacted children in need, operating 52 residential and 20 day-care centers in Romania. Over three decades, it has provided care and education for around 6,000 children abandoned or in financial hardship. The institution relies on private donations and public funds to sustain its operations.
The Hungarian Head of State expressed admiration for the vibrant and close-knit community in the Deva home.
In today’s atomized world, when the forces that hold society together are disappearing or often seem to be disappearing, I think the power of community, the power of holding on to each other, and the power of keeping each other together, is particularly evident here,” he said.
Tamás Sulyok added, “We need to learn, and for our own survival, we need to strengthen our communities because without communities, there is no nation.”
During the presidential visit, the head of State lit the third Advent candle in the Deva chapel, marking the Sunday of Joy. Csaba Böjte called it a special gift for the residents, connecting it to the broader meaning of Christmas.
The first gift was given by the Heavenly Father, who loved this world so much that He gave us His only begotten Son at Christmas. It would be good if we could all be gifts for each other, and not only at Christmas,” the Franciscan friar said.
The President’s visit highlighted the enduring power of faith, community, and charity. It underscored how Father Böjte’s mission has created a supportive environment for vulnerable children, fostering resilience and mutual care.
