450. VÝROČIE PRÍCHODU PETRA BORNEMISZU DO ŠINTAVY.

The paper is a slightly revised version of an introductory speech given at one of the European Heritage Days events commemorating the 450th anniversary of the arrival of preacher, humanist and printer Peter Bornemisza in Šintava and of the printing of his first publication – a book of sermons entitled Homiletics. Besides promoting spiritual renewal in Christianity, the activities of Peter Bornemisza helped to disseminate the ideas of humanism and renaissance and strengthen education, despite opposition from many Catholic leaders. To this day, he is considered a cultural, spiritual and moral authority and his ideas remain valid even in the twenty-first century. The European Heritage Days event was accompanied by the launch of a collection of texts about his life – The Power of the Printed Word (Sila tlačeného slova). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]