Asociaţille Romano-Catolice din Transilvania în perioada interbelică şi relaţiile lor cu organizaţiile laice minoritare
The Transsylvanian Roman Catholic Associations between the Two World Wars and their Relationship with the Lay Organizations of Hungarian Minority

Summary/Abstract: After World War I, with the peace treatise of 1920, the whole diocese of Transsylvania, as well as the major part of the dioceses of Oradea, Satu Mare and Cenad became a part of Romania. Integrated to Romania, Roman Catholics of Transsylvania struggled to keep their religion and language, contributing in the same time to the social development of their new country. The re-settlement of borders brought to life new institutions, a new legislation, and a different way of thinking and acting. On one side this period was characterized by uncertainty, but on the other hand positive aspects became visible: a greater self-consciousness of the catholic community, the revival of ecclesiastic self-government forms, an increased interest for educational and social institutions One of the main initiatives was the foundation of the Transsylvanian Catholic League, in Cluj (1921), aiming to develop Catholic identity and solidarity. Through its charitable, scientific and literary activities, the League promoted Catholic spirituality and morality in society. One of the most important steps was the foundation of the Catholic Academy (1929), meant to join creative capacities of scientist, writers, and journalists. This institution supported young talents through a scholarship system and by publishing significant works. Its activity was deployed in three sections: science, literature and art, social sciences and journalism. One of the League’s most remarkable leaders was Márton Áron, who created several specific sections: social, cultural, youth, pedagogy, and medicine section. A significant work was done by the Catholic League among and with youth, within the sections of university and high school students (1927), the club of catholic girl-students from Cluj (1926). A particular importance had the Hungarian Literature School from Transsylvania (1932, Alba Iulia), which organized conferences and published writings of its members. An other organizatoric form was represented by the women-associations. The Federation of Catholic Women Associations from Transsylvania (Arad, 1926) pursued its work on different fields: the social section, the section for spiritual life, the youth section, the rural and the workers’ section. A significant initiative was the foundation of the Catholic School for Social Sciences, by the Sisters of the Congregation for Social Mission. This institution prepared well-trained social workers for community service. Several social–charitable associations were created in this period: the St. László Association (Oradea), with a home for elderly, the St. Vincent Association for the support of the poor, with a home for abandoned children, the Catholic Caritas from Satu-Mare, the Association of Catholics from Petroşani. Different associations were created related to specific professions: the Association of Catholic Teachers from Transsylvania, the Association of Catholic Institutors and kindergarten workers, the Association of Catholic Workers, t

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