Blessed Dedë Maçaj

Blessed Dedë Maçaj studied at the Shkodra Pontifical Seminary in Albania and continued his formation in Rome, Italy. He was ordained a priest on March 19, 1944, for the archdiocese of Shkodrë-Pult, Albania. Following the Communist takeover of Albania, the new regime launched a brutal campaign against the Catholic Church. Father Dedë was ordered into military service by the anti-Catholic authorities, and was subsequently imprisoned, tortured, and executed on false charges of spying for the Vatican. He is honored among the Martyrs of Albania, courageous clergy and faithful who gave their lives rather than renounce their faith under one of the most repressive atheist regimes in history.