The President of the Republic, H.E, Ilir Meta awarded today the Parish of St. Mhill in Laç with the high decoration “Mother Teresa”
“In appreciation and high state gratitude for the humanitarian, material and spiritual contribution given to help the families affected by the earthquake of 26 November 2019, as an example of human and religious solidarity and kindness ”, stated the motivation of the award.
The solemn ceremony was attended by the Ambassador of the Vatican State Monsignor Charles John Brown, the Mayor of Kurbin Majlinda Cara, the clergymen Dom Arjan Dodaj and Father Aurel Gjerkaj, the nuns of the Sisters’ House “Daughters of Divine Love” and many Catholic believers.
After attending Sunday’s Holy Mass, led by Metropolitan Archbishop of Tirana-Durres, Monsignor George Frendo and handing over to the parish priest Father Ndue Toplana the decoration of the St. Mhill Parish, President Meta said in his greeting speech:
“The mission of the Albanian parish is based on these basic characteristics: the evangelical ones; mission; ecumenical and interfaith.
The parish of St. Mhill in Laç not only performed this mission to its best, but also spiritually and physically served the community through Social Evangelism, making an extraordinary humanitarian and material contribution, as was seen recently by the assistance given to families affected by the November 26 earthquake, and during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Therefore, I am honored to award today to the Parish of St. Mhill the Decoration ‘Mother Teresa’, as an example of solidarity, human and religious kindness.
In Matthew 19:21, Christ Himself says, “Give to the needy, and you will have a treasure in heaven.”
The parish of Laç, together with the Daughters of Divine Love, with all the people of this parish dedicated to the faith, serve the needy and poor children through the feeding center of which provide for up to 60 children.
The 150-year-old St. Mhill Church, though damaged by the November 26, 2019 earthquake, opened its doors and became a shelter for residents whose homes were damaged that night, showing tremendous solidarity.
From the first moment, after the earthquake, the Church opened its doors and all its premises to welcome all the families affected by that natural disaster.
A group of young men and women from the city volunteered in cooperation with this Parish, in the service of those affected by the earthquake, offering them all meals, clothing and all the necessary care and other necessities.
Many charities immediately came to the rescue, such as: ‘Caritas Diocesan and the Albanian one’ who, in addition to food, also donated beds, blankets, and various materials for the residents in the tents.
The parish of St. Mhill has continued uninterruptedly, staying close to those affected by the earthquake, spiritually and materially.
Food aid was provided not only to people in need in the town of Laç, but to Mamurras, Gurzë and Milot.
During the pandemic, the homeless were fed at the Church and food was distributed throughout Kurbin to families in need and services were provided for poor children.
To this day, about 90 residents affected by the disaster continue to feed in the church’s canteen, and 6 families continue to live in tents in its yard, and we hope their problems will be solved as soon as possible.
I express my deep gratitude to the Parish, all those young volunteers, charities, who, all together, witnessed the highest values of human solidarity, and spiritual and physical care.
But I also urge the state authorities to find a solution as soon as possible for all families who continue to be sheltered in tents, not only here, but wherever they are in the areas affected by that natural disaster.
Albanian saint Mother Teresa said: ‘Let us serve the dying, the poor, the lonely and the unwanted according to the graces we have received, and let us not be ashamed or slow to do humble work.’
The parish of St. Mhill has served spiritually and physically with humility and devotion to the whole community, the common people, the needy and the poor children.
This service is the most humane act that best reflects the divine calling, the loving and merciful nature of God, but also bringing hope in the most difficult moments, such as an earthquake or pandemic, giving the message of hope that love and human solidarity triumph over every misfortune.
I also express my deep gratitude for the valuable role that religious leaders play, but also the entire clergy of our religious communities in educating children and youth, leading them to the importance of protecting family values, away from vices, to love the country and others, encouraging them to grow and move towards better human values.
The ongoing appeals from our religious communities have also served to maintain social peace in the community and national level, or to be united against the potential dangers that could be caused by the ongoing political crises in the country.
In the most critical moments of the country, the Albanian clergy has called for peace and brotherhood, and what politics has tried to divide faith has kept united.
But the calls for peace and love have never been just words, but deeds, such as the example of solidarity and care that the Church of St. Mhill has given and continues to give.
The Holy Bible mentions poverty over 300 times and how we should care for people in need.
This shows us the loving and merciful heart of God, pushing us for this solidarity and humanism to be in our hearts as well, all of us as individuals, communities, but also for those who govern and make decisions for peoples.
The Bible says in Proverbs 14:31, “Whoever oppresses the poor insults the Creator severely, but he who has mercy on the needy honors him.”
Albania today is suffering from a high level of poverty, this poverty was increased in many Albanian families by the tragedy of November 26 as well as due to the social consequences of pandemic.
In addition to the great spiritual need, many Albanian families need physical and material care.
No one should feel oppressed and abandoned, but more social, inclusive policies should be implemented and there should be institutional support for all the people in need, providing every family in need with housing, food, employment, education, and health care.
This is a noble mission in defense of human integrity and honor for the Creator.
A mission that the Church of St. Mhill has accomplished and continues to accomplish successfully, giving us an extraordinary example of humanism, solidarity, and faith.
And we are always grateful for that! ”
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