Today marks the feast day of Saint Anthony, known in Albanian Gheg as Shna Ndou. This saint is undoubtedly one of the most beloved and revered saints worldwide, including of course Albania. Not only is he renowned as a miracle-worker, but also for his exceptional virtues.

Saint Anthony was born in Lisbon in 1195 and passed away on June 13, 1231, the date celebrated as his feast day. The Catholic Church recognizes him as the patron saint of families, marriages, travelers, and animals.

He began his mission dedicated to faith as a member of the Augustinian Order, later joining the Franciscans and venturing into remote areas where Catholicism was not yet established. He dedicated his days to the church and the people, sharing meals with fellow friars, and spent his nights in prayer and study.

Saint Anthony became known as a theologian of the Franciscan Order, remaining faithful to its mysticism until his death. “Here on earth, the eye of the soul is love, the only one that counts, to break every veil that prevents us from seeing God. Where intellect stops, love continues, leading us to the Light,” wrote Saint Anthony.

Every year leading up to June 13, thousands of believers gather on the hills surrounding Laç at the Church of Saint Anthony. Originally built by the Franciscans in the 1300s, the early complex was destroyed in 1971. Today, the entire procession of people ascending to the rebuilt Church of Laç since the ’90s is awe-inspiring.

/a.p./