Dom Dede Malaj

Blessed Dedë Malaj

Blessed

Post-Congregation

Feast Day

12-May

Born

16 November 1917 in Dushkul, Mali Shëngjinit, Lezhë, Albania

Died

Shot on 12 May 1959 in Shkodrë, Albania

Beatified

5 November 2016 by Pope Francis; beatification celebrated at the Square of the Cathedral of Shën Shtjefnit, Shkodër, Albania, presided by Cardinal Angelo Amato

Venerated

26 April 2016 by Pope Francis (decree of martyrdom)

Biography

Blessed Dedë Malaj, a priest of the Archdiocese of Shkodrë-Pult, Albania, dedicated his life to pastoral service amidst profound persecution. Born in Albania, his path to the priesthood led him to study at the Pontifical French Seminary in Rome and further in Italy. He was ordained a priest on 20 December 1942 in Castel Gandolfo, Rome, by the Bishop of Shkodrë-Pult, entering the service of his homeland’s Church. Returning to Albania, he served faithfully as parish priest in the Buna Dajçit Coast region, tending to the spiritual needs of his flock with unwavering commitment.

Cause for Canonization

Beatified

Beatified2016-11-05 by 5 November 2016 by Pope Francis; beatification celebrated at the Square of the Cathedral of Shën Shtjefnit, Shkodër, Albania, presided by Cardinal Angelo Amato