Inspection report concluded on January 22, 1940 to the priest Aurel Bazilescu (January 22, 1940, Craiova)
Minutes
Taken today, 22 January 1940.
The undersigned Dean of Circ. I-a Dolj, having gone to the residence of Fr. A. Bazilescu of the Metropolitan Cathedral – Craiova, for a special inspection, in view of the application he submitted for the vacant position of parish priest at the church “Hagi-Enuși” in Craiova, I have established the following:
The well-known priest Aurel Bazilescu was ordained priest on 18 May 1934 in the “Sf. Dumitru” church in Craiova.
He graduated from the Faculty of Theology in Bucharest.
Honorary degree, Econom Stavrophore.
Appointed dean of Circ. II-a Dolj, 18 March 1939.
He is still active today.
With 6 years of priesthood, he has established himself as a valuable element in the priestly body of Craiova and the county.
He worked in the administration only when he was appointed dean, where he proved to be active, tactful, applying the letter of the law and a good leader.
He had no parish office because he was not a parish priest.
From a cultural point of view, he worked assiduously for various magazines such as “Renașterea”, “Creștinul Ortodox”, “Cultura”, etc.
He reads new books. He has a personal library of about a thousand volumes.
In the conferences he gave, he was good and effective.
As a shepherd of souls, he is gentle, patient and understanding in all situations – he serves with care and faith, preaches quietly, convincingly and close to the audience. He offends no one. He is not flattering, nor clever, nor scheming.
He is serious in action and attitude. He carries out any task given to him – he does not complain about work. He is a man of duty. A man of character. He follows the Lord’s leading: “But let your ‘Yes’ be ‘Yes,’ and your ‘No,’ ‘No.’ (Mathhew 5:37)“. – He does not chase after expected increases. He works selflessly, that is, he does his duty.
For years he was the confessor of the Craiova prison.
He has ministered and spoken to those behind bars, hoping to restore those who have fallen into the waves and abysses.
In terms of morality. He is a worthy priest. Worthy of all honour. Integrous. Impeccable. Disciplined.
He deserves to be pastor of a parish at any time, so let His Holiness’ request be considered.
For which we have hereunto set our hands.
Archpriest, ss Ic. Elefterie Marinescu, Priest I. A. Bazilescu
(Document from the personal archive of Dr. Nicolae Bazilescu, published by Ana-Maria Rădulescu in the magazine Oltenia. Studies. Documents. Research, Series IV, No. 2, 2014, Sitech Publishing House, Craiova, 2014, pp. 363-364)