Immaculate Heart of Mary Province, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
The foundation of the Basilian Sisters in Romania began in 1946 in Gherla, led by Sr. Ana Maria Fekete, who sought to create a Greek-Catholic community for girls excluded from other congregations. With support from Fr. Leon Manu and Bishop Iuliu Hossu, a small group formed and served in a local nursing home. Although approved by Rome in 1948, communist persecution forced them underground by 1949.
Sr. Ana secretly trained novices until her arrest in 1959. In 1971, Fr. Sabin Dăncuș, OSBM re-established the community in Cluj. The Sisters, living secular lives outwardly, grew to 60 members by 1989. After reconnecting with the international Order, they became a Province under the name Immaculate Heart of Mary.
Following Romania’s return to religious freedom in 1989, they built monasteries, resumed public ministry, and formed new vocations. Their hidden perseverance reflects unwavering faith and God’s grace amid persecution.