A still uncertain future” “

“During my pastoral visit in February 2001-2002 I was able to experience for myself the spiritual, human and economic progress of the population. But I also personally witnessed situations of chronic and widespread poverty of every type”: these are the first words of the open letter of the archbishop of Scutari and president of the Episcopal Conference of Albania, Msgr. Angelo Massafra, published last December, on the country’s social situation. The wish to develop and widespread poverty: these are the two terms in which Albanian society is being debated, a society with almost 3.5 million inhabitants constantly divided between the temptation to emigrate and a strong sense of patriotism and of pride in a people with very ancient historical roots. In recent days the Albanian prime minister, the socialist Fatos Nano, visited Italy and met, among others, the Head of the Italian government who assured the “Country of the Eagles” of “its full support”, also in backing Tirana’s aspirations for full integration in the European Union. If Italian state aid for Albania has not been lacking over the last ten to twelve years, even more palpable and vital is the relation between Italy’s Christian communities and the fledgling Albanian churches, now organized in 7 dioceses with 113 parishes. In the course of the recent pastoral visit to Albania by Cardinal Crescenzio Sepe, Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples (9-11 November 2002), what clearly emerged is the attention now being paid to this country of ancient christianization which, in the course of its history, has suffered long centuries of Ottoman rule, as well as half a century of Communist dictatorship, but has still preserved visible traces of Christianity. Twelve years ago when – on the fall of the Marxist regime – the missionary presence in the country resumed, there was only one elderly and invalid bishop, Msgr. Nicola Trosciani, with 33 priests and 45 sisters, they too in large part elderly and in poor health). Things today are very different: there are now some twenty male religious institutes present in Albania, while women’s congregations are even more numerous, some 70 in all. There are 110 male religious and approximately 300 sisters. An evident “renaissance” of Christian life is taking place. It is testified with a wealth of documents and photographs in Msgr. Massafra’s book “Be Reconciled with God – Five Years of Episcopate in Albania (1997-2002)”. What is striking, among other things, is the growth of new Christian communities that are repairing the old and half-ruined churches, or building new ones. The huge efforts being made by Albanian Catholics are all the more remarkable, because they represent only some 10 % of the population (the country remains prevalently Moslem with 70%, while Orthodox Christians number 20%). But the Catholic presence is greatly appreciated, because it gives proof of a particular vitality, thanks also to the involvement of many highly qualified Italian lay associations, such as the St. Egidio Community, Catholic Action, the scouts of Agesci, the CSI and others. Alongside the religious orders, these associations have set up and are running welfare centres, oratories, retirement homes, hospitals, and vocational training centres. “Yet the fact is that in Albania it’s still impossible to obtain electrical energy throughout the day – remarks Msgr. Massafra – with the result that the whole of civil and economic life is penalized. Without constant supplies of electricity firms are unable to produce and many are in crisis. More importantly – continues the bishop – foreign firms don’t come here, abandoning the country to poverty. Hence the exodus of so many youngsters abroad, because they don’t see any future here!”.