Message of Archbishop Giovanni Peragine on the occasion of the 35th anniversary of the First Mass

2025-11-11 15:19:00, Aktualitet CNA

Message of Archbishop Giovanni Peragine on the occasion of the 35th anniversary

Today, the city of Shkodra commemorated the 35th anniversary of the First Mass of Forgiveness. The first Mass was held after the fall of communism in 1990.

Archbishop Giovanni Peragine kept his word and said that for the first time the voice of God was heard after years of silence.

Monsignor Giovanni Peragine said that the people's faith rose like a flame that no darkness could extinguish.

"Dear brothers and sisters!

Today in our beloved Shkodra, the city of martyrs and light, the 35th anniversary of the First Mass celebrated publicly after decades of religious prohibition, as well as the First Prayer in the Lead Mosque, in December 1990, is commemorated with gratitude and deep emotion.

It was the moment when, after a long period of silence and pain, the voice of God was heard again in Shkodra, and the faith of our people rose like a flame that no darkness could extinguish.

On that November day in the cemetery of Rrmaji, Dom Simon Jubani, priest of the Albanian Martyr Church, raised his hands to heaven for the first time in many years and pronounced the holy words of the Mass. It was a great act of courage and faith, a light that illuminated not only Shkodra, but all of Albania. Around him, the faithful wept, prayed, and gave thanks. That Mass became the beginning of a new era of freedom, proof that God is not forgotten and that the faith of the Albanian people is stronger than any chain.

At the same time, a few days later, from Hafiz Sabri Koçi in the Lead Mosque, our Muslim brothers raised their hands in prayer, making Shkodra the place where for the first time in decades the word "God" was heard again in two different forms, but with the same love. Thus, our city became a sign of coexistence, peace and hope.

Today, after 35 years, we remember with gratitude Dom Simon Juban, this invincible priest who did not bow to fear, but proved with his life that religion is stronger than prison, stronger than death. We also remember all our Martyrs, men and women who kept the flame of the Gospel alive in the darkness of atheism. They are the foundation on which our free Church stands today.

Dear brothers and sisters, this anniversary, which does not find me near you due to commitments abroad, is for us a day of thanksgiving, but also a call to responsibility. Thanks to God who did not abandon us and a responsibility to keep alive this sacred heritage. The religious freedom we enjoy today is a gift, but it requires of us pure faith, sincere love, and daily witness.

Let us be sons and daughters of light, bearing witness to the Gospel of Christ with our lives and building bridges of understanding with every person of good will.

Let us always make our Shkodra an example of coexistence, respect and spiritual brotherhood, as it has been throughout its history.

Finally, let us pray: that the blood of the martyrs continues to be a new seed for faith, that the light of Dom Simon Juban's Mass never fades, and that God gives us the strength to always remain witnesses of His love."/ CNA