The traditional St Stephen’s Day mass on August 20, Hungary’s national holiday, will be held amid strict healthcare regulations in Budapest’s St Stephen Basilica.
The Esztergom-Budapest Diocese said that mass this year will be celebrated by Cardinal Péter Erdő in the basilica with only those invited present, observing strict guidelines. Usually the mass is held on the square in front of the church to tens of thousands of pilgrims.
The procession will be replaced by a liturgy in the basilica and the cardinal’s blessing, the statement said. Duna Television and Katolikus Rádió will broadcast the ceremony live.