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The Metropolitan Archdiocese of Tirana-Durrës commemorated the 15th anniversary of the Episcopal Ordination of the Metropolitan Archbishop of Tirana-Durrës, Monsignor George Frendo. 15 years ago, on September 23, 2006, Mons. George Frendo, Maltese priest of the Dominican order, was ordained Bishop.
The Holy Mass in the Cathedral of “St. Paul” was led by Mons. Frendo, in the presence of the Apostolic Nuncio Monsignor Luigi Bonazzi, the Auxiliary Bishop of the Metropolitan Archdiocese of Tirana-Durrës Monsignor Arjan Dodaj, the Bishop of Sapa Monsignor Simon Kulli, Bishop of Rreshen Monsignor Gjergj Meta, Bishop of the Apostolic Administration of the South Monsignor Giovanni Peragine and tens of hundreds of priests, nuns and ordinary believers of the Archdiocese.
A mass with a great emotion, in honor of the 15th anniversary of the Bishop Mons. George Frendo, the Maltese priest who has entered the hearts of Albanians like no other. This is shown by the long standing applause, and the teary eyes of hundreds of believers as he was announcing that perhaps this would be the last time he was celebrating the anniversary of his episcopal ordination in Albania.
“This is the fifteenth anniversary of my ordination. I turned 75 last April, and according to Church norms, when we reach that age we must submit to the Holy Father our resignation from the office of diocesan bishop. In fact I delivered my letter to the Pope according to the norms of the Church. Therefore, it is very possible that this will be the last time I am celebrating the anniversary of my episcopal consecration in Albania,” Mons. Frendo would declare in the greeting letter in front of hundreds of believers.
Mons. George Frendo does not hide his emotion at all, while he confesses that he was surprised by the hospitality, respect, and love he has received during all these years in Albania from all Albanians. A special feeling that you will never forget. Therefore, there is a vigilance, and extraordinary care on his part every phenomenon that affects this country.
“A deadly hurricane is blowing in Albania. It is the hurricane of secularism and consumerism. The extermination that Enver Hoxha’s savage communism did not succeed in doing is successfully done by secularism and consumerism, which our people have learned from the western countries of Europe,” says Mons. Frendo referring to the situation in which the Albanian youth is today in the face of unhealthy models that are often served by social networks and not only. The significant increase of murders, and the great spread of drugs are phenomena that are killing the Albanian society.
As Jesus Christ told his disciples, so Mons. Frendo has a message for all Christian believers to become the “Salt of the Earth” and the “Light of the World” to show the world the way of life and truth, the way towards the source of life, the acquaintance with Christ.
“It is you who, like salt for food, should give taste to today’s society, and, like the light of the world you should be the one who will show the world the way of life and truth. Christianity is good news. Tell the world, those you meet at work, in shops, in universities, and in schools, how beautiful it is to know Christ. Tell them that there is a different kind of joy, a real joy, the only one that can lead us to the source of life.”
“These words are a testament left by his mouth,” said Apostolic Nuncio Luigi Bonazzi, referring to all the messages of Mons. Frendo.
In fact, the whole work of Mons. George Frendo in Albania is an invaluable asset.
“Long live our Albania! Long live Christ the King!”
These are the closing words in this homily, making hundreds of attendees to honor the man who gave so much to this country by standing applause.
Thank you Mons. George Frendo!
