„Dear Friend!” – Catholic Contacts of Henrik Marczali

Abstract

The study provides an insight into Marczali’s clerical contacts, mainly based on the historian’s recollections and the fragmentary archival sources (letters, testimonials, short messages) that reflect on them. Not only are the hitherto known or less known professional collaborations and closer contacts further explored, but new elements are added to our knowledge of the relationship between the Jewish historian and the Catholic clergy. In addition to academic friendships and patrons – Vilmos Fraknói, Lajos Haynald, Arnold Ipolyi – we also learn about political relations – János Csernoch, Sándor Giesswein –, family friendships – Menyhért Takács, Lajos Haynald – and even about the various Catholic communities – the Cistercian Order, the Saint Stephen’s Society. All of this – in addition to Marczali – also provides new information about the clergymen portrayed.