TIRANA, Nov. 5 – On Nov. 4, 1990 just as the country’s communist regime was collapsing, a priest in the northern Albanian city of Shkodra held the first Mass after half a century of unprecedented atheism and state persecution against religion.
Twenty-five years on, a Mass was held at the same place at the Catholic cemetery of the city of Shkodra, commemorating the first open Mass held by late Dom Simon Jubani.
Speaking at the restored tombs of the Rrmaj cemetery, Monsignor Angelo Massafra, the metropolitan archbishop of Shkodà«r-Pult, said the commemoration was a day of reflection and remembrance for Father Dom Simoni whom he described as a leader of courage.
Cardinal Salvatore De Giorgi who presided over the Mass said he was returning home full of faith from this religious place, appreciating Dom Simon’s desire to spread religion in difficult times.
Twenty-five years ago in the presence of some 300 believers, late Father Jubani held the first Mass in Albania after a 23-year ban on religion which made Albania the world’s first officially atheist country.
Culture Minister Mirela Kumbaro said the Nov. 4, 1990 Mass laid the foundations to freedom of thought.
“Nov. 4, 1990 marked the first step to freedom of mind when Dom Simon Jubani brought together hundreds of people and only a week later freedom was achieved,” said Kumbaro.
The 1990 Mass came just one month before the world famous nun of Albanian origin Mother Teresa visited Albania in early December where she established a branch of her order.
