The message was conveyed by Bishop Gjergj Meta of Rrëshen, Archbishop Giovanni Peragine of Shkodër-Pult, Archbishop Arjan Dodaj of Tirana-Durrës, and Bishop Ottavio Vitale of Lezhë.

“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; upon those living in the shadow of death, light has shined. You have multiplied joy, you have increased gladness,” Archbishop Dodaj said in his Christmas message.

He described Christmas as an experience of emerging from darkness, urging the faithful to reflect on God’s presence in their lives.

Archbishop Dodaj called on Catholics to help ensure that “our Church may be filled with the divine light of Jesus, and that our people may emerge from the dark spirit of distance, discouragement, and lack of hope.”

The joint message also paid tribute to the recently deceased Bishop Simon Kulli of Sapa, one of the first four Albanian priests ordained after the fall of the communist regime.

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