“It is a beautiful tradition of ours that during these busy, hectic days, we stop to enjoy a cup of hot tea and a slice of cake together with our colleagues. In doing so, we not only anticipate intimate family moments, but also strive to create those moments within the Semmelweis Family,” Dr. Béla Merkely said at the beginning of his welcome address. “I know that at this time of the year, everyone tries to push a little harder, work harder, and get as much done as possible – this is especially true for Semmelweis Citizens. Nevertheless, I think it is important that we don’t just come to a sudden halt and find ourselves under the Christmas tree, but that we arrive there in spirit as well,” the rector noted.
He also pointed out that the festive slowdown was a good time to take stock. In his words, we have reason to be proud, as Semmelweis University has continued to expand and grow richer over the past year. “We have invested a record amount in developing our infrastructure, laying the foundations for future success. Our results achieved in international rankings reflect the excellence that the citizens of Semmelweis University demonstrate in their work every day. This human resource is our greatest treasure and our university’s greatest asset,” Dr. Béla Merkely emphasized in his speech.
“There is immeasurable strength in our community. No matter what difficulties or obstacles arise, the lesson is always that together, by helping each other, we can move forward,” said the rector, stressing that this was the case this year and would continue to be so in the future. “Let us enjoy the treasure that is the time we spend together, let us reach out to each other, let us turn to others with love,” concluded the rector, ending his welcome speech with Sándor Márai’s poem entitled “Ajándék” (Gift).
“The quiet period before Christmas is also an opportunity to listen to what history, science, and the human soul have to say about those who came before us and whose messages can still speak to us today,” Chancellor Dr. Lívia Pavlik began her festive address, recalling British monarch King George V’s first Christmas message on the radio, which emphasized that distance was only a matter of maps, but listening to each other was a matter of the soul. From among Mother Teresa’s messages, she highlighted the one saying that it is not only great deeds that matter, but often a single thoughtful gesture, a word of encouragement, or a small sacrifice can shape our lives and the lives of others.
Speaking about the diverse community of the university, she thought that it was important to be able to see the value in this diversity, the path that led us to each other, because dialogue was the foundation of both science and human coexistence. She mentioned Pope John Paul II’s Christmas messages related to human dignity. A community can only survive if its members respect each other and see a common goal, she emphasized. “The voices of people from different eras have one thing in common: Peace, love, security, and connection with other people are the most important things, and we ourselves are the bridge between the individual and the community, between the past and the future. And we are also the ones who can decide what the present world and the future should look like, how we will step onto this bridge and how we will lead our children across it, in fear or in hope,” said the chancellor at the end of her welcome speech, wishing that this Christmas would bring peace to our homes, clarity to our thoughts, and community within the walls of the university.
Gallery
At the Christmas Tea event, the Medic Orchestra performed two movements from one of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s trios, as well as Christmas songs, while the chamber choir of the Semmelweis University Choir sang Irving Berlin’s “White Christmas” and Wolfgang Kelber’s “Glorious Kingdom.”
Anita Szepesi
Translation: Dr. Balázs Csizmadia
Photos by Boglárka Zellei – Semmelweis University
