Dr. Thomas Kabdebo was the 2017 poet laureate of Hungary. He is the author of fifty-nine books, and his novel Danubius Danubia is considered one of the best Hungarian novels of the 21st century. Among many honours, a Papal visit followed from the publication of his award-winning poem, Christ. He experienced first-hand the often cruel reality of life in Central and Eastern Europe after World War II, and of the hardships (as well as the infinite possibilities) of life as a refugee. He worked for many years, until his retirement, as head librarian at Maynooth University.