On September 21, the Albanian people lived one of the most beautiful days, the most exciting and meaningful day: the visit of the Holy Father, Pope Francis in the land of eagles.
It is the second time that a Pope visits Albania, 21 years after the visit of Pope John Paul II, who consecrated the first four bishops.
It is the second time that a Pope visits Albania, 21 years after the visit of Pope John Paul II, who consecrated the first four bishops.
The great sufferings of Albanians who belong to three religions, the murdering of Christian and Muslim clergy and the destruction of religious objects during nearly 50 years of communism, the peaceful coexistence of three religious groups were some of the reasons why the Holy Father chose Albania for his first visit in Europe. After the protocol meetings, since his arrival to the Rinas Airport, in the presence of thousands and thousands of Albanians and foreigners, who come from all corners of Albania, Kosovo, and other countries, the Holy Father celebrated Holy Mass with two cardinals, 18 bishops, 240 priests, 10 seminarians and 4 deacons.
During his sermon, from the Mother Teresa’s Square, Pope, Francis would stress: The eagle, depicted in your nation’s flaf, calles to mind hope, and the need to always place your trust in God, who does not lead us astray and who is ever at our side,especially in moments of difficulty”… “Today, I have come to thank you for your witness and also to encourage you to cultivate hope among yourselves and within your hearts. Never forget the eagle! The eagle does not forget its nest, but flies into the heights. All of you, fly into the heights! Go high! I have also come to involve the young generations; to nourish you assiduously on the Word of God, opening your hearts to Christ, to the Gospel, to an encounter with God, to an encounter with one another, as you are already doing and by which you witness to the whole of Europe.”… “
To the Church which is alive in this land of Albania, I say “thank you” for the example of fidelity to the Gospel. Do not forget the nest, your long history, or your trials. Do not forget the wounds, but also do not be vengeful. Go forward to work with hope for a great future. So many of the sons and daughters of Albania have suffered, even to the point of sacrificing their lives. May their witness sustain your steps today and tomorrow as you journey along the way of love, of freedom, of justice and, above all, of peace.”
In the afternoon, Pope Francis met with leaders of other religions and other Christian denominations, the Vespers, and the visit in the “Bethany” center, which houses orphans, abandoned children or children with social problems.
Malteser Youth was also present at the celebration of the Holy Mass in this important day for the people of Albania, who came back to Shkodra with more hope and strength in order to give the maximum in serving to the people in need, under the motto of the Order, the Holy Father’s words and message of the Gospel.
To the Church which is alive in this land of Albania, I say “thank you” for the example of fidelity to the Gospel. Do not forget the nest, your long history, or your trials. Do not forget the wounds, but also do not be vengeful. Go forward to work with hope for a great future. So many of the sons and daughters of Albania have suffered, even to the point of sacrificing their lives. May their witness sustain your steps today and tomorrow as you journey along the way of love, of freedom, of justice and, above all, of peace.”In the afternoon, Pope Francis met with leaders of other religions and other Christian denominations, the Vespers, and the visit in the “Bethany” center, which houses orphans, abandoned children or children with social problems.
Malteser Youth was also present at the celebration of the Holy Mass in this important day for the people of Albania, who came back to Shkodra with more hope and strength in order to give the maximum in serving to the people in need, under the motto of the Order, the Holy Father’s words and message of the Gospel.