Keeping the Faith in Albania

(Vatican Radio) For almost 50 years, from 1944-1991, Albania suffered under a ruthless communist regime that dominated every aspect of its citizens' lives. In 1967, the government proclaimed Albania the world’s first “atheistic state” — the first state to enshrine atheism in its constitution, and formally outlaw any expression of religion. Nonetheless, many Albanians continued to practice their religion in secret. 

Christopher Wells spoke with Klaudia Bumci: 

Klaudia Bumci, from Vatican Radio’s Albanian section, spent the first part of her life under the atheistic communist government. “Communism,” she said, “did not even permit you to say that you were Catholic.” She was baptized in secret, with only a few family members present. “And nobody else, nobody had to know, even afterwards, that I was baptized.” She relates how simply mentioning that she came from a Catholic family almost led to her being expelled and forbidden from attending any secondary school. “It was a teacher of mine that helped me in that time, and I was saved.” The persecution of people of faith extended to all aspects of society. “Everybody felt, in his skin or her skin, what the communists had to say about religion.”

But despite the persecution, many people in Albania kept the faith. “Of course the priest and the nuns were killed or put in prison during communism,” Bumci said. “But they maintained their faith. We have seen this after communism. Some of them were alive and they testified to what they had passed during communism, and how they maintained their faith.” She said what impressed her most about those who had suffered for the Faith was the peace and tranquility they experience. “One of the priests that I met in Tirana, Father Anton Luli [S.J.], after communism, went to his persecutor and said, ‘I forgive you.’ He had passed forty years through jail and forced labour. It was amazing.”

In the more than 20 years since the fall of communism in Albania, people of faith are continuing to rebuild their communities, and restoring the vibrant religious spirit of the nation. Pope Francis’ journey can only contribute to that rebirth.