Petrit Latifi

This anonymous missionary report was sent to the Sacred Congregation duing thee late 17th–early 18th century. The infomation is gathered from the “Bessarione Volymumes 36–37, 1920”. It describes the conditions of the Albanian regions of Zubehë (Zubc), Sussani (Shushan), Fozina, Zibehë, Spizza, Tugemile (Tugjemile) and the municipalities of Sestanni (Shestan).

“I. General Observations

Having undertaken several commissions on behalf of the Sacred Congregation, I have traveled through much of Albania and observed various details concerning the condition of the Church in those regions. I will therefore report on the specific qualities and needs of these lands.

II. Archdiocese of Antivari (Bar)

The Archdiocese of Antivari includes, besides the main town, the villages of Zubehë, Sussani, Fozina, Tugemile, and the municipalities of Sestanni, comprising more than ten villages. There are only five priests serving this entire district:

1. Pietro Samueli
2. Antonio Tomasi, Vicar
3. Pietro Giorga, Priest of Sestanni
4. Giorgio Vuscovich, Bishop and Curate of Sestanni
5. Donato da Spizza, Curate of Spizza and Lozina

This diocese has about 5,000 Catholics and suffers from an extreme lack of clergy. The two priests residing in the city cannot attend to the faithful in Zibehë and Tugemile, and Father Vuscovich cannot serve the many villages that lie half a day’s journey apart. As a result, the faithful sometimes die without receiving the sacraments.

The diocese is surrounded by Schismatics (Orthodox) who are gradually gaining influence—especially in Spizza, where the majority have recently become schismatic. The Archbishop does not reside in his see due to lack of a suitable dwelling. His presence would be of great benefit, as would the establishment of a mission of reformed clergy at Tugemile or Sestanni fra Monti, both secluded and suitable locations.

Such a mission would help preserve the Catholic population and convert the schismatics, while also reducing expenses for the Sacred Congregation. The Archbishop’s assistance would further help recover Church lands held by laymen, the income from which could support two priests.

Finally, his presence would restore peace and harmony among the people, who have been weakened by internal discord.

III. Educational and Missionary Proposals

Because Montenegro, the Greek-rite Pastrovichi, and the Diocese of Antivari all lie near Budua (Budva), where people from surrounding areas gather, there are many who wish to have their children instructed in Church law and discipline. I therefore humbly suggest that the Sacred Congregation send to Budua one of the seminarians to teach these children. In this way, local vocations could be developed, and the Congregation would not have to continually provide clergy from abroad.

IV. Diocese of Scutari (Shkodër)

Beyond the city of Scutari, there are around 20 large villages, among the most populous in Albania—Trumsi, Sacensi, Babalussi, Cucculi, Scirocchi, Kissagni, San Sergio, Bussanti, Daici, Samarissi, Belagni, Pendente, Karochi, and Lanseghi—altogether numbering about 20,000 souls. This diocese has suffered greatly for lack of a resident bishop. On the eastern coast near Marcovichi, entire towns have fallen away from the faith. If any diocese in Albania urgently needs a bishop, it is this one.

V. Diocese of Sfaccia (possibly Shas, near Lake Shkodra)

This diocese is united with Scutari and includes the towns of Frascanelli, San Theodoro, and Calesina around Lake Sfaccia, totaling about 3,000 Christians. Because there is no resident ecclesiastical authority, entire villages have denied the faith—driven by the heavy burdens imposed by the Turks (Gabele). The Ottoman government exempts renegades (converts to Islam) from taxation, forcing remaining Christians to pay more. There are only two curates, one competent and the other very young and weak.

VI. Diocese of Dulcigno (Ulqin)

This diocese is also united with Scutari. In the city and surrounding villages, all inhabitants are Turks; there is not a single Christian household. However, Christians from nearby areas come to work as servants, and many of them gradually convert to Islam, turning the region into a “seminary of renegades.”

If zealous ministers were present, this loss could be prevented, as reformed priests in other parts of Albania have already done by dissuading the faithful from serving infidels. About 5,000 faithful still live scattered through the countryside (Carucci, Giusoi, Chirana), but in some villages there is no priest at all.

On the Riva di Boiana, densely populated villages have only one curate, so ignorant that he cannot read; the Bishop of Alessio has forbidden him to celebrate Mass except for the dead. Such gross ignorance prevails almost everywhere.

VII. Conclusion

The dioceses of northern Albania are in desperate need of clergy, education, and episcopal presence. Without such aid, the Catholic faith is endangered by schism, ignorance, and conversion to Islam.”