This time, the venue was the impressive St. Nicholas Greek Catholic Cathedral square, where Caritas volunteers handed out tea and candles, which participants could place together at the end of the event. Young singers from Enjoy Music performed a pop music show while a professional clown entertained the children. Attendees were also invited to make donations, with all funds this year directed toward supporting community kitchens.
At the event, the directors of the two sister organizations, canon József Rajna and parish priest Olimpiu Todorean, greeted the gathering, expressing gratitude for the many years of collaboration and for the local authorities' commitment to supporting meals for the needy. "Our mission comes from Christ, for He said there will always be poor among us, and tonight, as we light candles for One Million Stars, we express our solidarity with them. We think of those who go without and who suffer deprivation. But empathy alone is not enough; it must be followed by action," emphasized Father József Rajna, who also prayed for God’s blessing on all staff, volunteers, and supporters involved in charitable work.
Representing the local government, Anca Grama, Director of the Oradea Social Assistance Directorate (DASO), spoke, acknowledging Caritas organizations' decades-long dedication to feeding the poor and assuring them of the city’s continued support. Following the speeches, Bishop's Secretary and Office Director Zsolt Vakon led a prayer in Hungarian, after which ex. Virgil Bercea, Greek Catholic Bishop, bestowed a pastoral blessing. Then, church and civic leaders placed the first candles in the square, forming the foundation of the Caritas emblem outlined with live candlelight. Following their lead, attendees, parishioners, and volunteers placed more than two hundred additional candles, gradually increasing the light.
The event was marked by touching musical moments, with moving performances by young Enjoy Music singers Hanna Herczeg (9) and Alyssa Caba (10). Both organizers and participants acknowledged the heartfelt, successful event, which exemplified Oradea’s community spirit, as well as the excellent collaboration and unity among various denominations and nationalities in the region.
