Marian devotion
Our Lady of Shkodër
Shkodër, Albania
The Virgin Mary in Albania, a country where the Catholic faith survived the most brutal communist persecution in Europe.
History of Marian devotion in Albania
The devotion to the Virgin Mary in Albania dates back to the time of the Roman Empire, when the region was part of the province of Iliria. The Shkodër Cathedral, dedicated to St. Stephen, has for centuries been the centre of Marian devotion in Albania.
Communist persecution
During the communist regime of Enver Hoxha (1944-1991), Albania became the world's first atheist state. All religions were prohibited, churches were closed or destroyed, and priests were persecuted and executed. However, the Catholic faith remained alive in the clandestine.
«En Albania, la Virgen María era la madre que los fieles invocaban en secreto, en sus hogares, cuando no podían ir a la iglesia.»
The martyrs of Albania
Durante la persecución comunista, numerosos sacerdotes y fieles católicos fueron martirizados por su fe. Entre ellos, el Padre Gjergj Fishta, conocido como el «Homero de Albania», y el Arzobispe Vincenc Prennushi, quien murió en prisión en 1949. Estos mártires son venerados como héroes de la fe.
The restoration of faith
After the fall of communism in 1991, the Catholic faith was reborn in Albania. The churches were restored and new parishes were founded. The Virgin Mary is venerated as the mother who accompanied the Albanian people in their most difficult times.
The shrine of Laç
The Sanctuary of Laç, dedicated to San Antonio de Padua, is one of the most important pilgrimage places in Albania. Every year, on June 13, tens of thousands of pilgrims come to this sanctuary to honor the saint and the Virgin Mary.
Prayer for Albania
Oh, Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church and Queen of Heaven. You who accompanied the people of Albania in their most difficult moments, intercede for us before your Son Jesus. It protects this land, strengthens the faith of its inhabitants and guides us to peace and unity. Amen.
Is the advocation of the Virgin Mary of your people missing?
Si no encuentras la advocación mariana de tu ciudad o pueblo, cuéntanosla: la investigaremos para ubicarla y darla a conocer en este mapa del amor de la Madre por el mundo.
Propose an apvocation →