Vox temporis vox dei: Catholic ecclesiastical art in Hungary between the two world wars examined via the Church’s provisions and press releases

Abstract

Over the last decades intensified efforts have been made to research the 20 th century Central and Eastern European, in particular Hungarian sacred architecture. In this era sacred constructions appeared to be a significant identity shaping power for the churches. The interwar period can be clearly distinguished in connection with the trinity of the spread of modern architectural principles, symbolism, and the liturgical and structural issues. With a joint study of these aspects it can be clearly seen that in architecture the international expansion of Modernism, the liturgical movement and the strengthening of the community's aspirations have allowed continuous experimentation, leading to the creation of new church-building principles. This research aims to address these changes not only from the direction of architecture, but by dealing with the new churches built in the era as sources, complementing them with the architecture related parts of the papal and bishop's provisions and of synods’ decisions, as well as with the discussions taking place in the Catholic and architectural press. The paper wants to find out how the official ecclesiastical position was changing from the decisions rejecting the principles and practice of Modern architecture to making provisions that promoted Modern art. The paper examines the delicate balance-policy of the Hungarian Roman Catholic Church in the interwar period, focusing on the issues of modern versus neo-styles and the liturgical renewal.