Sunday mass is standing room only � three quarters of which are children. �This is important because they are the future,� says Fr. Markos Andras who takes up residence within shouting distance of the Gypsies. Assisting him are five nuns from Mother Theresa�s Sisters of Charity who work closely with the children. During services they spread out amongst the congregation regularly hushing agitated children. The mass is an orderly service comprising of all ages that respond in unison to the liturgy. The Hungarian majority that once snubbed Gypsies when they attended services at the center cathedral now attend their church.
Fr. Andras admits it wasn�t always this way. �There used to be a lot of chatter. It was like being at the market. Sometimes I used to have to stop in the middle and say, �shhhhh, quiet, Jesus is here.��
While administering of the Eucharist during Easter ceremony, an elderly Gypsy began spraying women in attendance with water from a bottle. The sprinkling of water or perfume on women after Easter services is a Hungarian tradition. �He would never have done such a thing in the cathedral,� comments a Hungarian in attendance, �only here � this is his church.�