Abstract

This article presents a chronological overview of major Franciscan religious figures and historical developments in Albania from the thirteenth to nineteenth centuries. Based on primary narrative material, it traces early Franciscan influence beginning with the archbishops of Antivari, continuing through 17th-century missionary efforts, and culminating in the renewal of Franciscan education in the late 19th century. The text highlights struggles for ecclesiastical authority, persecution under Ottoman rule, and the formation of new clergy educated for missionary work.

Introduction

The Franciscan presence in Albania spans centuries of political conflict and cultural transformation. The missionary work described here demonstrates the resilience of Franciscan clergy in safeguarding Catholic identity, rebuilding church structures, and educating future generations despite external pressures such as war, religious conflict, and Ottoman control.

13th Century Foundations of the Archdiocese of Antivari

The Franciscan influence in the Albanian region was strengthened by an unnamed archbishop who restored the Church’s usurped goods, reformed the clergy, convened a synod, and re-established ecclesiastical discipline and education. His leadership elevated the see of Antivari to exceptional prominence and influence, resisting even metropolitan authority. In 1250 he expanded the Franciscan Order throughout the region and brought a schismatic Albanian bishop and his people into obedience to Rome. His reputation led Innocent IV to appoint his successor, Friar Goffredo, in 1253, followed later by Friar Lorenzo da Orta. From this period onward, the archbishops of Antivari were frequently Franciscans.

During this time Serbia was ruled by the Catholic monarch Stefan Urosio of the Nemanja family (1237–1283), married to Helen of France, believed to be related to Saint Louis and possibly a member of the Franciscan Third Order.

Development and Conflict in Antivari

Antivari originated as a Roman colony and became a bishopric likely in the 4th century. The Council of Delminio (c. 877) established the primacy of Dioclea with Antivari as a leading see, with jurisdiction extending across Albania, Serbia, Bosnia, Herzegovina, and southern Dalmatia. After destruction by Simeon, king of Bulgaria (927), struggles for primatial authority continued. In 1033, bishops traveling to a provincial council were shipwrecked at Scoglio dei Vescovi. In 1062, Alexander II confirmed the renewed primacy of Dioclea in Antivari.

17th Century Missionaries and Martyrdom

• In 1638 Father Bernardo da Verona and companions were arrested while celebrating Mass in Gasci and imprisoned in Jakova.
• Around 1640 two Reformed Fathers serving Gasci survived an attempted killing by locals.
• In 1640 Father Gregorio of Novara became Vice-Prefect of the Albanian Mission.
• In 1646 he was appointed Bishop of Scutari and later Administrator of Budua.
• During the Cretan War he escaped persecution and died in 1656.

18th Century Ecclesiastical Leadership

• In 1691 Father Egidio d’Armento was appointed Apostolic Prefect of the Albanian Mission.
• He participated in the Albanian National Council (1702–1703) in Merchigne.
• The Council was approved in 1705.
• In 1707 he became Bishop of Sappa and in 1719 Archbishop of Antivari.

19th Century Renewal

• Father Simeone Milinovich was born in 1835 and joined the Minor Observants of Dalmatia.
• The Albanian Seraphic College of Trosciani was founded in 1882.
• In 1888 six Albanian students began their novitiate in Bosnia.
• By 1893 they completed theological studies and prepared to return to Albania as missionaries.

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Chronological Table of Figures

Century / Year	Figure	Role / Event	Location
4th century	—	Establishment of Antivari episcopal see	Antivari
877	—	Council of Delminio confirming primacy	Herzegovina
927	Simeon of Bulgaria	Destruction of Antivari	Balkans
1033	Bishops of Antivari, Svaccio, Dulcigno, Cattaro	Lost in shipwreck	Scoglio dei Vescovi
1062	Pope Alexander II	Approves primacy renewal	Rome
1250–1253	Unnamed Archbishop; Friar Goffredo; Friar Lorenzo	Restoration and expansion of Franciscan influence	Antivari
1237–1283	King Stefan Urosio	Catholic ruler supporting Church	Serbia
1638	Father Bernardo da Verona	Arrested and imprisoned	Gasci / Iakova
ca. 1640	Two Reformed Fathers	Survived violent attack	Gasci
1640–1656	Father Gregorio of Novara	Vice-Prefect, Bishop, Administrator	Albania / Venice
1691–1719	Father Egidio d’Armento	Prefect, Bishop, Archbishop	Albania
1835	P. Simeone Milinovich	Born	Dalmatia
1882	—	Founding of Seraphic College	Trosciani
1888–1893	Six Albanian Students	Novitiate and graduation	Bosnia

Conclusion

The history presented illustrates the long and resilient Franciscan tradition in Albania. From ecclesiastical reform in the 13th century to missionary suffering in the 17th century and renewal in the 19th century, the Franciscan legacy remained central in shaping Catholic identity, education, and regional stability.

References

1. Letter to Father Marcellino from Civezza Trosciani, February 22, 1893.
2. Glories of the Mission of the Reformed Minors in Albania.
3. Historical narrative on the Archdiocese of Antivari.