On May 29, 1917, Albania lost one of its most prominent Catholic clergy figures. Father Nikollë Kaçorri was a patriot, priest, and a signatory of the Act of Independence.

He was born in Krej of Lura in 1862 and later became Albania’s first Deputy Prime Minister in Ismail Qemali’s cabinet.

In 1882, he completed his early studies in rhetoric and grammar. That same year, he went to Rome to continue his education. He later studied theology, philosophy, and political science at the University of Zurich. In 1893, he returned to Albania. Between 1905 and 1907, he led an armed uprising in Kurbin. He supplied 500 weapons to locals in Kthella, Mirdita, and worked closely with Gjin Pjetri of Skuraj. Together, they prepared the ground for the Declaration of Independence, leading the national uprising across all Albanian lands with both rifle and pen.

In 1908, Kaçorri took part in the Congress of Manastir. A year later, he joined the National Congress of Elbasan.

Alongside his religious and patriotic mission, Father Kaçorri worked to preserve Albania’s folk heritage. As parish priest of Durrës, he traveled across the country, collecting traditional songs. He visited Durrës, Kruja, Shkodra, Peja, Gjirokastra, and other areas. He compiled heroic and patriotic songs into the volume Canti Albanesi Popolari.

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