By Dielli Correspondent, Washington DC
October 24th, 2021 marked the 71-st anniversary of the death of Blessed Maria Tuci, the only laywoman (the only woman actually) among Albanian martyrs of the 20th century.
This day is also the Feast Day for this martyr. She was a very brave and courageous young woman.
She died at the age of 22, after her body could no longer survive the wounds caused by the horrific tortures.
Recently, the readers can find information in English about Albanian martyrs, listed in some of the reputable websites and English blogosphere.
One website with such important information is listed in this electronic link:
Here the reader can find biographical data and a summary of the life of Bl. Marie Tuci.
Educated in a Stigmatine school, when she was old enough, Maria became a Stigmatine postulant. Elementary school teacher and catechist to children. Arrested on 10 August 1949 by Albanian Communists for refusing to give information on other people, and refusing the advances of a member of the secret police, she was tortured for over a year, including being stuff naked in a sack with an angry cat, before being martyred.
She was born 12 March 1928 in Ndërfushaz near Rrëshen, Albania and died on 24 October 1950 at the Shkodra Prison Hospital in Albania from the effects of torture.
She was re-interred in the Stigmatine church in Shkodra
She was made venerable on 26 April 2016 by Pope Francis (decree of martyrdom)
And was beatified on November 5th, 2016 by Pope Francis
The beatification was celebrated at the Square of the Cathedral of Shën Shtjefni, in Shkodër, Albania, presided by Cardinal Angelo Amato
Meanwhile, St.John the Beloved parish in the Diocese of Arlington, VA, hosted the first class relic of the Blessed Maria Tuci for veneration and throughout all Sunday Masses her story was shared by the celebrant. One of the important messages shared from the pulpit is the bitter reality of what communists did to the martyrs and about their resilience. An intercessory prayer to the Albanian martyrs was also prayed
Albanian-Americans are very grateful to hosting parishes and to the pastors and priests.
May the martyrs’ testimony of Faith, courage, fortitude and trust in God be incentives to share, defend the Truth and fight evil.
Blessed Maria Tuci and all Albanian martyrs, please pray for us!
