In spring 2026, a five-part school awareness-raising workshop series was organised within the Messages project by the Hungarian project partner, Vas County Government Office.

The aim of the programme was to introduce younger generations, through interactive and experience-based activities adapted to their age group, to the lives of Blessed János Brenner and Dániel Halász, as well as to the cross-border pilgrimage route called “Light at the Border”, developed within the framework of the project.

The workshops were hosted by Blessed János Brenner Primary School and Grammar School and Saint Ladislaus Catholic Primary School, involving a total of 115 pupils.

The programmes were designed with different methodologies for various age groups. Through playful and creative activities, students explored themes such as priestly vocation, faithfulness to one’s faith, community solidarity and helping others. The workshops included opening reflections, group singing, question-and-answer activities, role-playing exercises, creative handicraft sessions and interactive tasks.

During the workshops for upper-grade students, special emphasis was placed on the “time-management matrix” activity, where students categorised tasks related to priestly service according to urgency and importance. Through group discussions, they realised that this method could also help them organise learning, leisure activities and everyday responsibilities in their own lives. Role-playing activities focused on the story of Dániel Halász, allowing participants to experience the importance of cooperation and the strength of community.

The lower-grade sessions focused on the spiritual meaning of pilgrimage, belonging to a community and strengthening faith. Students learned about the “Light at the Border” pilgrimage route and explored themes of perseverance and standing firm through activities connected to the Way of the Cross of Dániel Halász. One of the special elements of the programme series was a creative handicraft activity during which children created a figure of Blessed János Brenner while discussing priestly vocation and clerical clothing.

Each workshop ended with a shared prayer for the successful beatification process of Dániel Halász.

The experiences of the programme series showed that younger generations are open and responsive to topics related to religious and historical heritage when these are presented in an engaging and accessible way.

The goal of the Messages project is to bring the shared religious and cultural heritage of the Hungarian–Slovenian border region closer to younger generations, while strengthening community identity and preserving historical memory.

Photos by Vas Vármegyei Önkormányzati Hivatal