‘A nation needs role models,’ President of Hungary Katalin Novák said on 20 August in Esztergom during the presentation of the Hungarian Order of Saint Stephen, the single highest Hungarian state award, and the Hungarian Order of Merit, the third highest.
‘We need role models with whom we speak the same language, with whom we share a common history, who are like us, yet more and better than us: people we can look up to while recognising ourselves in them,’ Katalin Novák pointed out.
The Hungarian Order of Saint Stephen was awarded to Katalin Karikó, the research biologist who laid the groundwork for mRNA vaccines, and Áron Szilágyi, a three-time Olympic champion fencer. The Hungarian Order of Merit was presented to Franciscan monk, brother Csaba Böjte.
Novák emphasised that all three awardees hold their Hungarian identity in high regard
and work for the community, considering their work as a form of service. These people share a common humanity, recognise the importance of family, and live their lives based on the principle of ‘one for all.’
Regarding Katalin Karikó, the president mentioned that she is a researcher who firmly believed that what was born in her mind as a thought would be a genuine and effective solution in practice, even when others discouraged her. She managed to build upon challenges and continues to pass on this mindset to young researchers who turn to her.
As for Áron Szilágyi, the president highlighted his participation in the Stipendium Peregrinum programme. She stated that Szilágyi has committed to personally support and assist young talents, an endeavour he himself experienced. He serves as an example in the way he treats his opponents as a Fair Play awardee and how he shows respect to others.
Brother Csaba Böjte took on the responsibility of providing a home and family for orphaned or underprivileged children and young people in truly difficult circumstances. He lives his life with a dedication to kindness, and he passes on his knowledge just as the children he raised do, taking care of those in need, Novák said.
According to the justification of her receiving the highest state award, Katalin Karikó has strengthened Hungary’s reputation in the world of science. Her internationally acclaimed scientific career, which continues the finest Hungarian intellectual traditions, particularly her decades of persistent and groundbreaking research in the field of medicine were recognised with the award.
Áron Szilágyi received the Order of Saint Stephen for his contributions to enhancing Hungary’s reputation in global sports and upholding the noblest Hungarian sports traditions. His exceptional international successes as an athlete, both individually and as part of a team, along with his commitment to supporting young talents and his exemplary sportsmanship and human character, were acknowledged.
Brother Csaba Böjte, the founder of the Saint Francis Foundation, received the Hungarian Order of Merit for his exemplary dedication to supporting disadvantaged children in Transylvania, a humanitarian activity professing the power of active love, as well as for his exceptionally impactful teachings helping people experience divine providence, and for his life path serving the spiritual strengthening of the Hungarian nations ‘with the dedication of the smallest of brethren’.
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