Szentendre, Austro-Hungarian Monarchy, currently Hungary — September 27, 1914
Death data:
Fort Saskatchewan, AB, Canada — February 13, 1999
Denomination:
Roman Catholic
Ecclesiastical status:
religious
Diocese / Order:
szalézi
Ordination level:
priest
Entry into religious life:
Péliföldszentkereszt, Kingdom of Hungary, currently Hungary — November 1928
Perpetual vows:
November 11, 1930
Priestly ordination:
Budapest, Kingdom of Hungary, currently Hungary — June 23, 1940
Other name used:
Hollner
Biographical data
József Hámor, SDB (1914–1999), a Hungarian Salesian priest and pastor, was born in Szentendre on September 27, 1914; his original family name was Hollner. He spent his childhood in a deeply religious atmosphere, came into contact with church life at an early age, and at the age of fourteen was introduced to the Salesian Order and the spirituality of St. John Bosco. He continued his studies at the Salesian high school, where he soon distinguished himself through his artistic and musical talents. He began his novitiate in Péliföldszentkereszt, took his first vows in 1930, and then served as a teacher in Rákospalota, Szombathely, and Gyula. His students particularly loved him for his simplicity and approachability.
After completing his theological studies, he was ordained a priest by Cardinal Jusztinián Serédi in Budapest on June 23, 1940. He quickly became well-known for his excellent oratory skills and knowledge of canon law. He began his priestly ministry in Pestszentlőrinc, later taught in Győr, and held leadership roles in Salesian formation. World War II and the subsequent communist takeover severely affected his life and his order: after the dissolution of the religious orders, he worked as a rural parish priest, then as a simple laborer and sacristan, while remaining faithful to his vocation as a priest and educator.
During the 1956 Revolution, he helped rescue young Salesian novices and then left Hungary himself. Via Austria and Turin, he eventually arrived in Canada, where in 1957 he organized the Hungarian Catholic community in Edmonton and founded the St. Imre Hungarian Catholic Parish. For decades, he served as pastor, teacher, musician, and community organizer for the Hungarian community in Western Canada. He ran a Hungarian school, led a choir, mentored young people, and played a significant role in preserving the Hungarian Catholic identity among the diaspora.
Due to deteriorating health, he resigned from his position as parish priest in 1971 but continued to serve actively. Later, he also became involved in the pastoral work of the Chinese Catholic community in Edmonton. He was held in high esteem for his extraordinary work ethic, deep faith, musical talent, love of his homeland, and humanity. He passed away in Canada on February 13, 1999. He dedicated his entire life to serving the Church, Salesian spirituality, and the Hungarian diaspora.
He organized a Saturday Hungarian school and a choir, and founded the Edmonton Hungarian Catholic Association. Between 1980 and 1987, he oversaw the construction of a new church. During his tenure, the Edmonton Hungarian school became the only officially recognized private school of its kind in Canada. He spoke six languages. He never accepted a salary for his work, in order to help the parish. Upon his death, the Alberta Legislature observed a two-minute moment of silence in his memory.
Domestic service locations
From
To
Place
Country
Church / institution
Position
1932
1936
Rákospalota
Kingdom of Hungary, currently Hungary
supervisor and educator, while also pursuing high school studies on his own
1936
1940
Péliföldszentkereszt
Kingdom of Hungary, currently Hungary
theological studies
1940
1942 circa
Pestszentlőrinc
Kingdom of Hungary, currently Hungary
teacher, and later, from 1945, director of the institution and parish priest
1942 after
1945 before
Győr
Kingdom of Hungary, currently Hungary
the spiritual director of the seminarians
1945
1948
Mezőnyárád
Hungary
1950
1953
Kisbarát
Hungary
cantor, religious educator, assistant pastor
1953
1956
Budapest
Hungary
Jézus Szíve templom
sexton
Foreign service locations
From
To
Place
Country
Church / institution
Position
1956
1957
Graz
Austria
She worked with Hungarian refugee children, and then spent a short time in Turin, Italy
1957
1999
Edmonton, AB
Canada
parish priest (1957–1970), later assistant pastor
1985
1996
Edmonton, AB
Canada
the pastor of the Chinese Catholic community
Literary activity
Az ünnepekre színdarabokat írt, zenét komponált, a gyermekek előadását zongorán kísérte. Mikulásra minden gyermekről szellemes-kedves versikét költött.
Hámor József SDB: personal record. In: Historical directory of Hungarian, Hungarian-descended, and Hungarian-speaking clergy serving abroad. Available at: https://www.diaszporalelkipasztorok.hu/persons_v2/view.php?id=372 (accessed: 2026-05-06).