On the feast of the Holy Trinity, which is also the patronal celebration of the Basilica Media Centre of the Romanian Patriarchate, His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel presented distinctions on Monday to employees of the institution who have shown faithful service. Among the recipients were two employees of the Basilica News Agency of the Romanian Patriarchate.
Raluca Ene, a photographer with seven years of experience at the agency, and Ana Maria Vlase, who serves with dedication and diligence as secretary within the same media division, were both awarded the “Maria Brâncoveanu” Cross, an honor instituted by the Romanian Patriarchate “to recognize Christian women who have made significant contributions to the fruitful and beneficial service of the Church and society.”
Spiritual inspiration through modern means of expression
Raluca Ene’s work is inspirational in multiple ways, using modern techniques and methods of visual storytelling. She captures unique photographic moments at various ecclesiastical events, and national and international press agencies regularly pick up her photos.
She has also played a significant role in organizing Basilica-branded photo exhibitions over time. Additionally, she supports catechetical activity on social media by creating research-based graphics inspired by the lives and writings of saints, widely shared by hundreds of thousands.
She also created a digital Matericon featuring portraits of female saints and pious Romanian women.
“My gratitude goes to Patriarch Daniel and Rev. Director Nicolae Iftimiu for encouraging me and granting the freedom to implement creative ideas in photography and digital visual content,” Raluca Ene said.
“The consistent and constructive feedback I’ve received throughout these seven years has contributed greatly to the growth of my work,” she added.
Total dedication and essential support
Ana Maria Vlase has been a secretary for the Basilica News Agency for almost two years. During that time, she has shown remarkable commitment and offered the necessary support to all team members.
Her tasks include archiving documents, reorganizing the agency’s library, and—crucially—compiling daily news selections from secular media for the Patriarch of Romania in collaboration with the agency’s director, Archdeacon Nicolae Iftimiu, Coordinating Patriarchal Counsellor.
“Receiving this distinction is a blessed occasion to thank God for the opportunity to be part of the Basilica Media Centre,” said Ana Maria Vlase.
“I wish to thank His Beatitude Patriarch Daniel for this honor and Archdeacon Nicolae Iftimiu for his trust and support over time.”
“Receiving the award in this Solemn Year of the Romanian Patriarchate’s Centennial and on the threshold of the Commemorative Year of Holy Women adds special meaning to this recognition.”
“The remarkable character of Lady Maria Brâncoveanu remains a model of saintly life, of sacrificial and loving womanhood. Her spirit of giving inspires me to fulfill my duties with zeal in service to the Church,” she emphasized.
Photo: Lumina Newspaper / Luigi Ivanciu
