Blessed Shtjefën Kurti
Feast Day
20-Oct
Born
24 December 1898 in Ferizoviç, Ottoman Empire (modern Ferizaj (Uroševac), Kosovo, Serbia)
Died
20 October 1971 in Fushe, Krujë, Albania; information about his death only leaked out past the secret police to Church authorities in 1973
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 Shtjefën Kurti studied in Albania, Graz, Feldkirch, and Innsbruck in Austria, and in Rome, Italy. He was ordained a priest in Rome on May 13, 1924, for the archdiocese of Tiranë-Durrës, Albania. He served as a parish priest in Skopje and Novoselo from 1921 to 1929. To escape persecutions in the region, he transferred to pastoral work in other parts of Albania, where he continued to serve the faithful with dedication. When the Communist regime came to power, Father Shtjefën was targeted along with many other Catholic clergy. He was arrested, imprisoned, and subjected to torture. He remained steadfast in his faith throughout his suffering and is honored among the Martyrs of Albania, who bore witness to Christ under the brutal anti-religious campaign of the Communist government.
Cause for Canonization
Help Build This Profile
Know of a grace or miracle attributed to Blessed Shtjefën Kurti?
Report a Grace or MiracleStay Connected
Get saint inspirations and updates. Join our growing community of faith.