While the country continues its process of modernization and fight against poverty (Albania stands 85th in the index of human development), the Catholic Church of the “Country of the Eagles” wishes to transmit a strong message of recovery of the past and support of the national identity: “This year, throughout Albania and together with all the Albanians who have emigrated explains Bishop Angelo Massafra of Scutari, president of the Albanian Episcopal Conference we are commemorating the third centenary of the Council of Arberit, held at Merqui in 1703. A real ‘Jubilee Year’, as declared by the decree of John Paul II who invites all the faithful to participate in the celebrations that will culminate on 19 October 2003, day of the closing of the Jubilee. It significantly coincides with the day of the beatification of Mother Teresa of Calcutta who, as everyone knows, was of Albanian origin”. “The Council Bishop Massafra recalls was summoned by Pope Clement XI, also of Albanian origin”. The Albanian dioceses are also preparing to commemorate the tenth anniversary of the Pope’s visit to Albania: the celebration is planned for 25 April.
