(ANS - Tirana)- "Today I want to talk about the apostolic trip I made to Albania on Sunday." With these words, Pope Francis began his general audience yesterday, 24 September. It was dedicated completely to an account of his short visit to the Land of the Eagles, and was met with a crescendo of enthusiasm. But the Pope was not the only one to recall that special occasion.  So did the young workers of VIS, International Voluntary Service for Development, in Albania.

By Anna Carboni

Tirana, and with it the whole of Albania, stopped everything to welcome Pope Francis with joy and warmth. This was the second visit of a Pope to Albania - Pope John Paul II had visited in 1993. And we were there!

From the previous evening, Mother Teresa Square was ready for the event. There were groups of young people and families who savoured the atmosphere of excitement that could be sensed everywhere in the city. There was positive energy, youthful energy, an energy full of hope.

VIS was present, with a group of young people from Kelmend who were there from 2.00 in the morning. The journey from Klemend to Tirana takes five hours! These young people had come to serve as volunteers during the mass. They overlooked the tiredness and were not daunted by the heavy rain that began shortly after the start of the celebration.

The Pope’s words, during his greeting to the authorities and again during the homily, acknowledged with affection and gratitude the spirit of the entire Albanian people, who have overcome religious differences and many years of persecution.

Albania has been defined as the "land of heroes and martyrs", an example for other countries to follow, where respect, trust and sharing between religions is not only possible but also practical. And this is the true basis for peace and a precondition for harmonious development that is open to all. It is also an example of how to view the globalization of solidarity and show greater respect for creation.

With the project “Buke, Krype and Zemer,” VIS in Albania has accepted the Pope’s invitation and is working for the economic development of Albania.  They  target the poorest rural families that are far from the most important economic centres.

Pope Francis thanked Albania for this example, and expressed the wish that it would continue to make room for hope. Hope is personified by an eagle, symbol of the country and its rebirth: "God has raised you up on eagle's wings." The eagle does not forget its nest, but flies high, and that is our wish for all the people present. Albania is a young nation, "and where there is youth, there is hope."

The Mass ended with an invocation to Mary, Mother of Good Counsel, particularly dear to all the Albanian people. There is a shrine in her honour in the city of Shkodra (Scutari).

Published 25/09/2014