The Prefect for the Causes of Saints, Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, presided over the beatification ceremony of two priests martyred in Albania at the beginning of the 20th century.
Newsroom (19/11/2024 15:00, Gaudium Press) – Last Saturday, November 16, at St. Stephen’s Cathedral in Shkodra, Albania, the beatification Mass of two Albanian martyrs, Luigi Palić and Gjon Gazulli, who died in 1913 and 1927 respectively, was celebrated.
The Eucharistic celebration was presided over by Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints. The two new Blesseds were killed in hatred of the faith during religious persecution and thus reaffirmed their commitment to Jesus Christ and the Church.
Example of Holiness in Times of Persecution
During his homily, Cardinal Semeraro pointed out that the two martyrs were victims of slander and false accusations, exemplifying Our Lord’s words on the beatitudes: “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake.”
The Cardinal spoke about the nefarious power of lies, which “divide” and “distance” us from Christ and our brothers and sisters. Drawing a parallel with the present day, the Cardinal also mentioned the problem of disinformation and lies circulating on the internet that can ruin a person’s life.
The beatification of priests Luigi Palić and Gjon Gazulli not only celebrates the sacrifice but is also an invitation to reflect on the transformative power of truth and fidelity to the faith.
Pope Francis also mentioned the new Blessed during the Angelus prayer on the 17th. The Pope asked that the example of the Albanian martyrs serve as a comfort to the many Christians who today are discriminated against because of their faith.
The Martyrdom of Luigi Palić
Born on February 20, 1877, in Janjevo, Kosovo, Luigi Palić was a member of the Order of Friars Minor. During the First Balkan War, he faced the Montenegrin regime, which was promoting forced conversions of Catholics and Muslims to Orthodox Christianity. Even in the face of the threat, Luigi remained steadfast in his pastoral mission, defending the rights of the faithful.
He was arrested in March 1913 and, after being tortured, was murdered on the 7th of the same month. Before his execution, he reaffirmed his devotion and firm decision to remain faithful to his faith, saying: “O Jesus, may it be for the love of you!”
The Martyrdom of Gjon Gazulli
Father Gjon Gazulli, born on March 26, 1893, in Dajç, Albania, became a diocesan priest in 1919. In a period marked by the authoritarian regime of President Ahmet Zogu, who tried to eliminate religious denominations in the country, Gjon founded a school to teach the Catholic religion, thus confronting the government regime. Even though he was threatened, he didn’t abandon his community.
He was taken to prison in December 1926 and, after a fraudulent trial based on false accusations, was hanged on March 5, 1927. His last words were: “I die innocent. Long live Christ our King!”
The beatification of Luigi Palić and Gjon Gazulli not only celebrates their lives of sacrifice but also invites us to reflect on the transformative power of truth and fidelity to the faith, even amid the greatest adversity. (FM)
Compiled by Dominic Joseph
