Pilgrimage begins at ‘Shna Ndou’ church in Laç, thousands of believers gather

Thousands of believers have begun their annual pilgrimage to the ‘Shna Ndou’ or Saint Anthony church in Laç, one of Albania’s most revered religious sites. Every Tuesday from March 18 until June 13, pilgrims gather to seek blessings and pray for health, peace, and prosperity. The first day of the pilgrimage saw large crowds from across the country despite heavy traffic on roads leading to the church.

Why is this important: The pilgrimage to Laç is a deeply rooted spiritual tradition in Albania, attracting worshippers from all religious backgrounds, Muslims and Christians. Many believe in the miraculous powers of Saint Anthony, making this event one of the most significant religious gatherings in the country. The large turnout highlights the enduring role of faith in Albanian society.

Context: The pilgrimage will continue for 13 consecutive Tuesdays, culminating on June 13, the Feast of Saint Anthony. Local authorities have implemented traffic and security measures to manage the influx of visitors. Despite these efforts, congestion and long travel times were reported on the main roads leading to the church. The event is expected to draw increasing numbers of pilgrims in the coming weeks.