Blessed Shtjefën Kurti

Biography

Blessed Shtjefôn Kurti, also known as Shtjefôn Kurti of Fushe, was born on 24 December 1898 in Ferizovi√ß, which was then part of the Ottoman Empire (modern-day Ferizaj, Kosovo, Serbia). His early life and family background are not well-documented, but he embarked on a journey of faith and dedicated his life to serving God and his community.

Blessed Shtjefôn Kurti pursued his education and theological studies in various locations, including Albania, Austria, and Italy. He studied in Graz, Feldkirch, and Innsbruck in Austria, where he was exposed to diverse theological perspectives and developed a deep understanding of Catholic doctrine. He then went on to study in Rome, Italy, and was ordained as a priest on 13 May 1924 for the Archdiocese of Tiranô-Durrôs, Albania.

After his ordination, he served as a parish priest in Skopje and Novoselo, which are now located in modern-day Macedonia and Kosovo, from 1921 to 1929. However, due to the persecutions faced by Albanian Catholics in the region, he was forced to flee to Albania and then Romania for his safety.

In Albania, Blessed Shtjefôn Kurti continued his dedicated pastoral work, serving as a parish priest in Shna Prendja, Gurôs, and Tirana. Recognizing the plight of Albanian Catholics in Kosovo, he wrote to the League of Nations on 5 May 1930 to draw attention to their persecution, seeking aid and support for his persecuted flock.

Tragically, under the Communist regime that took power in Albania, Blessed Shtjefôn Kurti became a target for his unwavering faith and commitment to Christianity. On 28 October 1946, he was arrested by Communist government authorities and imprisoned in Tirana and later in Burrel. Initially sentenced to death, his punishment was eventually commuted to a 20-year prison term, which he served for 17 years before being released on 2 May 1963.

Throughout his imprisonment, he endured intense psychological warfare aimed at breaking his faith and moral strength. The Communist authorities resorted to traumatizing tactics, such as forcing him to dig his own grave and simulating an execution. However, Blessed Shtjefôn Kurti's unshakable resolve and unwavering belief in God persevered despite these horrific experiences.

Upon his release, he continued his ministry, offering spiritual support to persecuted Catholics in Tirana, Juba, and Gurôs. In 1967, he fearlessly defended his church against a gang intent on its destruction, which ultimately led to his arrest once again. This time, he was sentenced to 16 years in a forced labor camp.

Despite the risks, Blessed Shtjefôn Kurti remained true to his calling as a priest. In 1970, he secretly baptized a newborn boy, an act forbidden by the Communist regime. When the authorities discovered this "crime," he was re-arrested and tragically executed for his steadfast devotion.

The news of his martyrdom remained suppressed by the secret police, but it eventually emerged in 1973, reaching Church authorities. On 26 April 2016, Pope Francis decreed his martyrdom, acknowledging his unwavering faith and sacrifice. The beatification ceremony took place on 5 November 2016, presided over by Cardinal Angelo Amato, at the Square of the Cathedral of Shôn Shtjefnit in Shkodôr, Albania.

Blessed Shtjefôn Kurti is remembered as a fearless advocate for persecuted Catholics and a symbol of unwavering faith. His life serves as an inspiration to all who face adversity and oppression, reminding us of the profound strength and resilience that can be found in one's faith.