Hundreds and thousands of people of different faiths peregrinate every year in the Sanctuary of St. Anthony in Laç, Kurbin, those who are devoted to this saint, especially during the preparation time for his feast (otherwise known, 13 Tuesdays of St. Antony), which culminates on June 13, commemoration of his death (June 13, 1231).
It has become a tradition even the pilgrimage of disabled and elderly people in this Sanctuary, which is organized by Father Martin Thompson, parish priest of “St. Nicholas” church in Shkodra, in collaboration with the Franciscan Missionary Sisters of the Heart of Jesus, who offer their service in this parish.This year the pilgrimage was organized on May 16. Fifteen disabled and elderly people were accompanied by Father Martin, Sr. Cristiana and six volunteers of Malteser Albania. The Malteser volunteers assisted the disabled and the elderly people in climbing the Sanctuary of St. Anthony. They prayed together and attended the Holy Mass celebrated by Father Martin.
The Feast of St. Anthony is a very special day to the Albanian
people, especially to those who have a deep devotion toward this miraculous saint.St. Anthony, (15 August 1195 – 13 June 1231), known also as St. Anthony of Padua, was a Catholic Portuguese priest who belonged to the Community of Minor Friars O.F.M. He was born and raised in a wealthy family in Lisbon. He was noted for his forceful preaching and expert knowledge of scripture. He was the second-fastest canonized saint (after St. Peter of Verona) and proclaimed a Doctor of the Church on 16 January 1946 by Pope Pius XII.
St Anthony is venerated all over the world as the Patron Saint for lost articles, and is credited with many miracles involving lost people, lost things and even lost spiritual goods.