Written by Petrit Latifi

In a report from 1629, the Bishop of Lezha and the administrator of Shkodra, Benedekt Orsini, describes Anamal and says that in Shas there are more than 300 churches, almost all of them ruined, and further describes the situation in other villages:

The Church and Diocese of Shkodra in Albania sent to the Holy Congregation for the Propagation of the Faith in 1629 by brother Benedetto Orsini, bishop of Alessio (Lezha) in Albania and Administrator of the Church of Shkodra.

“This Diocese, between the plain and the mountains, will have approximately fifty thousand souls, all of the Roman rite. There are several monasteries of friars but all uninhabited, the flat part has these parish churches: the Abbey of St. Sergius and the Cathedral, St. Kolli in Pulaj, St. George in Buna, St. Mary in Zogaj, St. John in Periaser (?) in which place there are over 300 churches almost all of them ruined, St. Kolli in Milla, St. Mary in Gorica, St. Kolli in Dajç, St. Baku in Obori (Obod?), St. Stefani (Shtjefni) in Barbalusci (Barbullush), St. George of Busigiarpan (Buzëgjarpen), St. Mary in Toiti [? ], St. Veneranda (e Premtja) in Gliubliana (Juban), S. Maria Mandalena in Scirochi (St. Mary Magdalene in Shiroka), where 3 years ago he was martyred priest Marco from Chisiragni, S. Croce (Holy Cross) and S. Nicolo (Saint Nicholas) in Muselin and Dobrancios (Dobraç?), and S. Giovanni (John) in Samarini (Samrish?) newly built by me Bishop together with another church in Sciorsi (Shiroka?) and with the Portico in the Church of Barbalushi and mainly also the Church of Saint Nicolò (Collite) in Clesina (Klezen).

The mentioned churches do not have any other kind of real estate since they were all occupied by the Turks, they are without bells and with one parament for each, old and poorly maintained, and the bowls are made of tin.

In the plains there are a total of 17 priests, among whom three were ordained by me, but all of them are illiterate and little suited to preach the word of God, and the people are ruder and more savage than the others in Albania, it is believed from the ignorance of the priests, some of whom are shameless and others without scruples, turning to the Turks against the bishop and others.

There are also some clergymen scattered throughout the parishes. In the mountainous part are the peoples of Drivasto, Climenti, Cucci, Grudi, Piperi, Casttratti, Schirielli, Lugi, Hotti, Girmorot and Pulati, in addition to many villages, which in total will be 4000 houses.”