"The missionary activity had the objective of experiencing a retreat in a poor context, or at least, carrying out the Salesian animation activity which looks towards the cross. It is concrete proof that a few kilometres away from home there is a world ‘a few‘ steps away from us of which we do not have the faintest idea.
The Albanian nature immediately jumps out at you: but in addition to the breathtaking nature, worthy of note and mention is the great faith that abounds in every corner. The coexistence of three different religions is something that few in this world can boast of. (…)
And it is also a land of martyrdom, suffering. An evident suffering: the elderly, with their wrinkles, have the symbols of a regime that destroyed them their children and their grandchildren over many years. An Albanian child in the 1960s learned to keep secrets before learning to speak.
This great wound is not only noticeable by the prison located in the centre of the city of Shkodra, but also by the architecture of the buildings, which lurched towards unbridled modernity, forgetting that the walls have a great memory, so much so that they exude rigidity. (…)
The village of Gur I Zi is a rural village, but hope and freedom are the daily bread of the young people who live there, really put themselves on the line for the common good, the ‘greatest good’ of which Don Bosco spoke. (…)
The morning session, the stories of life and the perspective to which our faith has been projected has been fundamental to show young people how they lend their experience to collaborate and bring their way of living and seeing Christ. (…)
The young people from Gur I Zi broke down all language barriers, shook hands and gave us their trust, opening their doors to us and letting us experience the scent of simplicity in relationships: no superstructure, no discrepancy, no prevarication. (…)
They are the example that faith exists, and that if nurtured, fills your life. Salesianity as experienced in the campetto has not only filled our hearts, but has allowed us to have a concrete experience of life and faith. Because a retreat becomes just an impromptu attempt unless accompanied by patience and action. (…)
The Albanian flag has a red background and a large black eagle. You can't teach an eagle how to fly. And those wings were broken, burned and crushed. But that eagle continued to glide with pride, through the world, demonstrating to everyone what distinguishes eagles: strength, resistance and freedom. ‘Faleminderit Albania’... Keep flying high!”
