On Saturday, November 16, the Catholic Church and the Albanian nation celebrated a significant milestone with the beatification of two martyrs, Father Luigji Paliq and Don Gjon Gazulli. This ceremony adds their names to the list of 38 Albanian martyrs declared blessed by the Vatican in 2016. 

Why is this important: The beatification of these two figures is not only a spiritual event but also a national honor, emphasizing the sacrifices made for faith and country. It further strengthens the spiritual heritage of Albanians and highlights the global Catholic Church’s recognition of the country’s martyrs. 

Ceremony highlights: 

• The beatification Mass, held in Shkodër, was led by Pope Francis’ representative, Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, Prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Causes of Saints.
• Archbishop of Shkodër, Monsignor Angelo Massafra, praised the martyrs’ ultimate sacrifice and delivered a broader message addressing global conflicts.
• Honorary Vatican Cardinal Ernest Troshani and Archbishop of Kosovo Dodë Gjergji expressed deep pride in this recognition.

Significance: The ceremony gathered hundreds of believers from Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro, and Croatia, alongside Albanian political leaders and regional diplomats. Many faithful who could not enter the cathedral followed the Mass from outside, witnessing a historic moment for the Albanian Catholic community.

This beatification continues to emphasize the resilience and devotion of Albanian martyrs, serving as a reminder of their enduring faith and patriotism. Albanian Catholics were among the most persecuted groups by the Communist regime, with clerics and ordinary people suffering grievously for their resistance and refusal to betray their faith.