[ Apr.2014 ] The second place we visited in Valcea County in Romania was a convent called Bistrita.
It does not seem to be well-known as a tourist destination and it is not in my guide book.
The church here was simpler than the one in Cozia Monastery and very bright.
We asked if we could take photos though the Mass had started.
One of the sisters hesitated at first and then came up to us and gestured “OK”.
Even in the convent, the priest was a man and he was behind the altar, so we could not see him well.
A few choir women were this side of the altar and responding to his words by short rhythmic singing.
According to our friends, anyone can be a sister or a monk.
There were many young sisters here, which showed that this kind of establishment is not going downhill.
Some would stay in the monastery for a while and come back to the outside world.
