Dom Lazer Shantoja

Blessed Lazër Shantoja

Blessed

Post-Congregation

Feast Day

5-Mar

Born

2 September 1892 in Shkodrë, Albania

Died

Shot on 5 March 1945 in Tiranë, 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 Lazër Shantoja, priest of the Archdiocese of Shkodrë-Pult, Albania, dedicated his life to the service of the Church amidst profound adversity. Born in Albania, his path to priesthood led him to study at the Pontifical French Seminary in Rome and later to pursue theology in Innsbruck, Austria. He was ordained a priest for his native archdiocese on 29 May 1915, entering a ministry marked by fervent preaching and deep pastoral commitment. His reputation for eloquent and inspiring sermons earned him recognition, and he served with distinction as Secretary to Archbishop Lazare Mj

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