The relics of one of the most famous “protectors of the vine” Pope Urban III rested for decades in the Catholic church in Monok in the Tokaj Wine Region. The recent procession symbolically revived their role in Tokaji wine. During the events held on two Saturdays, villagers and those from further afield were able to see the relics in their the splendid Baroque reliquary at the church services, at wineries set in vineyards and in the main squares of towns and villages.
The relics had an adventurous route to Monok. After Rome, the saint’s earthly remains were guarded in Alsace from 849 until 1771 when they were presented to Count István Andrássy, lord of Monok, as Clement XIV was concerned about the safety of the Tokaj harvest. Until recently Pope Urban was believed to have ordered gold or silver liturgical vessels be used during mass. Believers prayed to St Urban to protect the vines against May frost and hail, and that the wine not be spoiled and the barrels not leak.
The relics were spared such adventures on this journey. But a full programme of events was arranged as they left Monok and processed through Golop, Rátka, Tállya and Mád. The first part of the pilgrimage came to a close on St Urban’s Day, May 25th, in Tokaj with the centenary celebration of the Catholic church consecration. On the return the relics paused in Bodrogkeresztúr, Erdőbénye, Bodrogszegi and Szerencs. State guards carried the relics on this ceremonial procession.
The pilgrimage was linked to the Saint’s name day and at most stops events connected with wine were also part of the programme. Thanks were given that the “Ice Saints” had not damaged the vines, and the flowering of the vine was celebrated on the second Saturday. Thus the event also extended to the less religious audience too.
Many people contributed to the success of the event in many different ways. The people of Monok accompanied the event from start to finish, proving that they regard the relics of St Urban as their own. Local councils, wine societies, the Confrérie de Tokaj and the Women Friends of Wine also participated in the organisation. It is hoped the film recorded at the various venues by Gábor Koltay, choreographer of the event, will be aired soon on the national TV channel Duna TV.
The people of Monok will become accustomed to their saint, patron saint of vine growers, winemakers, coopers and publicans, being taken on annual procession around the wine region – given the accord of the Church. We hope this will contribute to the success of Tokaji wines too. As more churchgoers arrive along with those drawn simply for the spectacle this occasion provides another opportunity to better know the region and its wines.
Here is a video shown on Hungarian national TV (in Hungarian):
István Müller