The Madonna's 'eagles'
Fund-raising for Albanian mission
Albania, which is known as "the land of eagles", is a fascinating country and its natural beauty makes it a potential major tourist destination. However the natural beauty hides a cruel reality: a wonderful but impoverished people live in miserable conditions compared only to some of the worst third-world countries... despite being in Europe!
Perhaps the only ray of light which brakes the darkness in the lives of the common people arrives through the sterling work being done by missionaries and volunteers in the educational, social and religious fields. It is this work which really gives strength to the eagles' wings in the day-to-day struggle for survival. In this strengthening process Malta and Gozo have always been in the forefront.
Fond Albanija, which is linked to the parish of Mamurras (diocese of Dürres-Tirana) in Albania, and which is currently under the pastoral care of a Gozitan priest, Fr Emanuel Cutajar, is launching a fund-raising campaign on the occasion of the feast of the Madonna Ta' Pinu, on Saturday.
The mission of Mamurras is in fact dedicated to Our Lady of Ta' Pinu, and a reproduction of the titular painting of the sanctuary in Gozo has already found its home in the Albanian mission.
The proceeds from the current fund-raising campaign will go towards the launching of a new project in the Mamurras mission which will include a socio-pastoral centre as well as a parish church dedicated to Our Lady of Ta' Pinu.
Up to next Sunday, anyone wishing to give a helping hand in the building of the socio-pastoral centre at the Our Lady of Ta' Pinu mission in Albania, can phone 500-49412 for a donation of Lm2, 500-49415 for a donation of Lm5, or 500-49410 for a donation of Lm10.
On other days, help may be sent through a cheque or money-order addressed to Fond Albanija, att. Fr. Effie Masini, Bishop's Curia, Gozo, one may also deposit a donation in the current account entitled Fond Albanija at any APS Bank branch (Acc. No. 1311 2113 017).
TVM will be screening two documentaries on Albania in the award-winning series Ghawdex Illum today at 12.45 p.m. and on Wednesday at 6.45 p.m. with a repeat on Sunday at 12.45 p.m.
These documentaries will not only give a vivid picture of the history of Albania and the current social life, but will also include interviews with the country's President, Rexhep Meidani, as well as with Mgr Zef Simoni, an Albanian bishop who spent 17 years in prison under the Communist regime.