From September 19 to 21, 2025, the streets and squares of Vác (Vác) will burst with color, conversation, and community as the KATTÁRS Festival unfolds—bringing together families, thinkers, and the faithful for three days filled with lively debates, concerts, games, and more. The focus: how to protect both creation and human life, and how to address the challenges (and opportunities) of artificial intelligence. Whether it’s the garden of the Bishop’s Palace or the impressive Constantine Square (Konstantin tér), special venues across the city will become the stage for this celebration.
More Than Church: Faith in Daily Life
KATTÁRS aims to shake off outdated stereotypes about the Catholic Church. Every year, a different diocese gets its moment in the spotlight, showing how faith and innovation come together in the everyday lives of families and communities. In 2025, it’s Vác’s turn to host. The festival’s mission is to demonstrate how belief, creativity, and hope can be put to work in building a more just, optimistic society. It’s all about interaction—expect discussions on cutting-edge questions, hands-on workshops, and plenty of opportunities for children and adults to connect over shared values.
Everyone’s Invited
This is a festival for everyone: families, singles, teens, grandparents, locals, and visitors from all over Hungary. Local parishes and Catholic schools will bring their students and their families. Recently renovated spaces—including the freshly restored Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Nagyboldogasszony Cathedral) and its surroundings—will serve as centers of activity. And you won’t pay a dime; all programs are free, making inclusivity a true priority.
Friday: God, Planet, AI—Big Ideas and Bigger Questions
The opening day kicks off with a major conference celebrating the 10th anniversary of Pope Francis’ groundbreaking environmental encyclical, Laudato si’. Thinkers, activists, and leaders will share insights—such as Mario Nobilis, head of practical theology at Sapientia College and founder of the Sun Hymn (Naphimnusz) Association, and Ilona Keresztes, president of the Together for Life Association. Panel topics range from the mysteries of life’s origins to the climate and what it means to value creation in the broader sense. Expect some lively debate!
After a communal lunch, attention turns to artificial intelligence—one of the festival’s major themes. Dr. Gábor Prószéky, head of the Hungarian Research Centre for Linguistics, will explore what advanced language models like GPT and their extensive Hungarian data sets mean for privacy, education, and society. Unlike the black-box algorithms of global corporations, these Hungarian-developed models run on local servers, promising safer, more tailored results.
Dr. Zoltán Gloviczki, president of Saint Vilmos of Apor Catholic College (Apor Vilmos Catholic College), will tackle the challenges that AI presents to education: Will robots write essays and grade exams? What should teachers—and children—learn today to succeed tomorrow? A second panel, featuring linguists, educators, and Catholic leaders, will discuss how technology is already reshaping schools and everyday life.
Friday Night Lights: Grand Opening and Concerts
From 4 p.m., the official festival opening draws a crowd in Constantine Square (Konstantin tér). Spectacular music and choirs fill the air, the Vác Hussar regiments salute, and city leaders greet visitors. Then, the action moves to the Cathedral for a solemn opening Mass, led by Bishop János Székely and the cathedral choir.
As night falls, mental health advocate and priest Ferenc Pál delivers a popular talk on self-realization and spiritual well-being, backed by years of hands-on experience and several books. Late into the evening, the Eucharist Band—known for their inspiring performances at Masses and festivals—delivers a rousing Christian rock concert, proving that church can most definitely have a beat.
Saturday: Artistry, Joy, and Talent on Parade
Saturday belongs to families and the community. The main stage fills with performances by Catholic school students from all over the diocese—expect music, dance, and a high-energy juggling and dance show. There’s a jubilant stilt-walking ensemble, and winners of the “Blessed Be You, Lord!” art competition will be announced, spotlighting young creative voices.
All Paths Lead to Community
At its heart, KATTÁRS aspires to foster meaningful encounters between modern life and timeless faith. With dynamic debate, freewheeling music, and activities for all ages, there’s something for everyone—no matter where you stand, or how you pray.
Don’t miss it: September 19–21, in the heart of Vác (Vác).
