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Feast Day: October 10
Death: October 10, 1491
Blessed Demestrius of Albania, also known as Demestrius of Spoleto, was born in Albania. Not much is known about his early life, but it is believed that he migrated to Spoleto, Italy, in the year 1441. There, he became a Franciscan tertiary, dedicating his life to serving God and following the teachings of Saint Francis of Assisi.
Demestrius was deeply influenced by the spiritual guidance of Blessed Gregory of Spoleto, whom he considered his mentor and spiritual teacher. Under Gregory's guidance, Demestrius devoted himself to a life of prayer and contemplation, seeking a deeper connection with God.
After years of faithful service and diligent spiritual practice, Demestrius felt called to withdraw from the world and live as a hermit. He found solace and peace on Monte Luco, a mountain near Spoleto, where he lived as a prayerful hermit for an astounding fifty years. During this time, he dedicated himself to asceticism, self-denial, and deepening his communion with God through prayer, fasting, and meditation.
Blessed Demestrius of Albania passed away on October 10, 1491, due to natural causes. His earthly remains were laid to rest at the church of the Franciscan monastery of Saint Paul located outside Spoleto, Italy. Despite not having been officially canonized or given a specific representation, Demestrius is remembered and honored on his feast day, which falls on October 10th.
Although there is currently no official veneration or beatification assigned to Blessed Demestrius of Albania, his life serves as an inspiring example of selfless devotion, contemplative spirituality, and the pursuit of holiness. His long period of solitude and prayer on Monte Luco is a testament to his unwavering commitment to God and his desire to seek union with the divine. It is through his remarkable dedication and unwavering faith that Blessed Demestrius of Albania continues to inspire and guide believers in their own spiritual journey.