Fr. Imre Lobmayer Sch.P. was awarded with the Benemerenti Medal by Pope Francis. Fr. Provincial Viktor Zsódi conferred the honour on Fr. Imre Lobmayer as a recognition of his careful and conscientious service in the initial formation of novices.
With the help of Imre Lobmayer, generations of friars were formed in the Hungarian Province. He also taught prayer not only to novices but to students of the Piarist High School in Vác with great dedication and faithfulness. He also developed a pastoral training system for secondary school students which he implemented with the help of lay teachers. As a spiritual director, he accompanies not only Piarist friars but also members of other religious orders, diocesan priests and lay teachers hepling them to get closer to God. Since this year He has been involved in the Order’s mission in Sátoraljaújhely for a year
Father Imre Lobmayer said of his life and vocation: “I studied at the Piarist High School in Budapest from 1976-80, where I had a great time. I especially liked many extra-curricular activities organized by my Piarist friar-teachers. We spent much time together hiking, cycling, canoeing – in the summer and at weekends. My class teacher was Fr. József Havas for two years, for two years Fr. István Jelenits. They taught me the a lot during those four years, and I developed much both in faith and science. I thought about becoming a priest as early as the primary schhol Having finished my high-school studies I felt to be attracted to the Piarist vocation. I presumed that as a friar I could live in a special intimate relationship with God and as a teacher and priest I could educate young people in faith, science and practical Christian life.”
In 2015, he celebrated the 25th anniversary of his ordination, and on his Silver Jubilee memorial image there is a quote from our founder, St Joseph of Calasanz: “In Rome I found the best way for me to serve Christ in the service of poor children, and I would not leave it for anything in the world.”
The Benemerenti Medal was first awarded by Pope Pius VII (1800-1823). The medal in the shape of a Greek cross suspended on a yellow and white ribbon depicts Christ with his hand raised in blessing.
