The Dominican friars of the province of Malta have been involved in mission work inAlbania for the last 20 years, caring for the spiritual and social needs of their parishioners.

They have harboured a dream of building a pastoral and social development centre in the village of Lagjja Mirdita, within their parish situated in Durrës-Albania.

On September 19, they realised their dream, when they inaugurated a simple but functional centre, which will enable them to care for the spiritual needs and welfare of their parishioners.

This centre consists of a new church, a kindergarten, halls and rooms in which health care, as well as catechism, courses for spiritual formation and the holistic development will be offered.

Mgr George Frendo O.P., the Maltese auxiliary bishop of the archdiocese of Tirana-Durrës, blessed the new church and celebrated the Eucharist.

He was assisted by the Master of the Dominican Order Bruno Cadoré, his assistant Fr Miguel Angel del Rio, the Prior Provincial of the Province of Malta Fr Francis Micallef and the Director of Pontifical Mission Societies Malta Mgr Salvinu Micallef, together with the Dominican friars who work in Albania and other diocesan priests.

Family and friends of the Dominican missionaries, local youths and Maltese volunteers gave a helping hand.

Fr Geoffery Bugeja, the rector of the church, expressed his great joy and gratitude for this great achievement.

“This was made possible because all of us believed in this project. The urge to strengthen and enhance the human condition of our brothers and sisters is well embedded in our hearts,” he said.

“During these last two years, we saw not only the building rising from its foundations but furthermore, we saw the Christian community increasing in number and in its effort to follow the Lord, its real and solid foundation.

“With gratitude we invoke God’s blessing on all our benefactors.

“Only God can reward them for their generosity towards these people who are in need of help.”