Ambassador Réka Szemerkényi, Hungary’s top diplomat to Washington wanted to make the dedication of the Hungarian Chapel in the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception a major event. She invited all Hungarian-Americans and passionately urged the 1.5 million strong community to be present “regardless of religious affiliation” what will certainly be an inspiring and memorable event. “Let’s share in the joy and let’s make this new Chapel in Washington a true Hungarian place of pilgrimage!” she cried out.
The giant Basilica can seat 3500 worshippers and may hold altogether about 6 thousand people. Hungarian sources mentioned 700 worshippers, the Catholic Standard estimated about 1000 people in the audience. This included employees of the Hungarian Embassy and Consulates, paid lobbyists and Hungarian Scouts who were ordered to be present in their uniforms. (Read the Catholic Standard report here.)
Turnout was low. Very low. You wouldn’t know this in Hungary since television viewers there saw a giant Basilica full of enthusiastic Hungarian-Americans.
How did they do it? Clever camera angles.
Hungarian Chapel dedication – this is what the Hungarian viewers saw….
…and this is what they did not see. Turnout was low.
György Lázár
