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Picture - On their way to Pecs Cathedral - by Nigel A. JAMES
The
Texas Bar
Pecs
is a wonderful city in Hungary. A city of flair and adventure. And,
whilst visiting Pecs at the end of last summer I discovered a bar.
The Texas Bar. An interesting bar with a story. But,
the Texas Bar was no normal bar. It was an underground secret. In
fact, the Texas Bar was an underground tunnel with a strong liquid
history. And, the Church played a very big role in this proud liquid
past.
Originally,
the Texas Bar was a very small part of a very big wine-cellar
network. And, one of the many ways-in was in a barn not far from
from the palace where the bishop resided. And, one of the many
ways-out of this network of cellars led straight up to the bishop's
busy kitchen. Bishops must always have very good wine. But, the
Texas Bar was more than a cellar, it was a blessing when times became
hard.
The
Communist era was not a very good time for the church. The church
was tightly controlled. And, being a believer was no easy thing.
Visitors to church were all on a list. AVO, the Hungarian secret
service knew all. Believing was very much a struggle.
But,
the everyday business of church had to continue as well. And, this,
too, was a struggle. Meetings had to be held and letters had to be
sent. Staying connected with Rome was very important. And, the Texas
Bar was the perfect solution. Clandestine callers made their way to
the barn, and straight into the Texas Bar. And, waiting for them,
deep under ground in the Texas Bar was the Bishop of Pecs.
And,
AVO, the Hungarian secret service never found out and the meetings
continued until the end of the Communist time. In fact, the Texas Bar
was the best kept secret in the history of Hungary.
And,
the Texas Bar had one other secret as well. The Texas Bar was full
of good wine. There was never a dry moment. Red, after all, is a
Cardinal colour. And, much better, of course, when it's flowing!
Pecs
is a wonderful city in Hungary. A city of flair and adventure. And,
whilst visiting Pecs at the end of last summer, I discovered a bar.
The Texas Bar. An interesting bar with more than a story.
On their way to Pecs Cathedral
