18. November 2005.

St. Martin's Prize has been presented for the fifth time in Pannonhalma. In accordance with the founders' decision, this year the recipient of the Prize was Dr. Ferenc Mádl, former President of the Republic of Hungary.

St. Martin's Prize was endowed in 2001 by the Archabbey of Pannonhalma, Bábolna National Stud Farm Ltd and Herend Porcelain Manufactory PLC 'for the purpose of contributing to the preservation of Hungary's national heritage and cultural values, and to assist in publicizing as widely as possible the unique natural, social and cultural features of the Pannonian region.
The prize, a statue of St. Martin offering his cloak to a wounded soldier, is the creation of Herend artist László Horváth, holder of the Munkácsy Prize. Recipients of St. Martin's Prize (in chronological order) include: Dr. István Nemeskürty, Government Commissioner for Hungary's millennial celebrations at the time; Professor Ernő Pungor, member of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences; Gáspár Nagy, poet; and Dr. István Kukorelli, constitutional lawyer.

The ceremony was opened by Archabbot Asztrik Várszegi. Guests enjoyed a performance of Purcell's opera Dido and Aeneas by the Tomkins Singers accompanied by the Ferenc Liszt Chamber Orchestra. After a speech by Bishop László Kis-Rigó, the prize was presented to Dr. Ferenc Mádl by the founders.

The ceremony was followed by a reception, where Archabbot Asztrik Várszegi blessed the new wine and crop.