In the tapestry of human existence, some stories shine more brilliantly than others. These stories are not just about individuals; they are about the struggles, hopes, and transformations that define the human experience. Among these narratives, one stands out: the journey of a young Albanian boy who—amidst poverty, insecurity, and uncertainty—fled his homeland on a rickety boat, only to return years later as a bishop.

Early Life and Escape

Our story begins in Laç-Kurbin, a town nestled on the Albanian coast. Arjan Dodaj, destined for an extraordinary life, was born here. His family, like many in the region, was humble and simple. His father toiled in a factory, and his mother worked on construction sites. He had two sisters, and his maternal grandparents lived nearby. It was through them that he first encountered the subtle essence of faith, a presence of God that the oppressive communist regime couldn't extinguish.
Growing up in a nation declared atheist by its own constitution, faith was a whispered secret, passed down through generations. His grandmother would stand in front of a structure that he later learned was the village church, rosary in hand, while his grandfather began each day with the rosary, putting faith before all else.
The 1990s brought a glimmer of hope as Albania emerged from the iron curtain, hinting at democracy and opportunity. Young and restless, Arjan embarked on a journey to find a better future in the West. His first attempt in 1991, at the age of fourteen, coincided with the massive exodus from Albania, including the infamous "Vlora" boats carrying thousands. Thankfully his chosen boat was spared from the treacherous journey but he sensed the suffering that awaited, the poverty and hardship.
Determined to help his impoverished family, he made several attempts. Finally, on a starry night in September 1993, he succeeded. At just sixteen, he set sail on a perilous voyage across the Adriatic Sea, landing in Italy. The debt incurred weighed heavily, but he was now in a land of opportunity, albeit one he had only seen through the lens of Italian television.


Struggles in Italy

Italy, with its streets paved with dreams, presented new challenges. Young Arjan sought work as a welder and gardener, often laboring over ten hours a day. Yet, it was in Italy that he found more than employment. He discovered a community of the "Sons of the Cross," young men studying at our Partner Institution, the Pontifical University of the Holy Cross, supported by dozens of foundations worldwide including ours. His connection with this community rekindled the Christian faith, long suppressed under Albania's state atheism.
He recalled his amazement at the faith that lay dormant in his heart for years, awakened by the songs his grandmother had softly sung to him. It was a testimony to the indomitable nature of faith, lurking in the shadows until it blooms.

Faith Rediscovered

His life took an unexpected turn when he met Father Massimo Allisiardi, a member of the "Sons of the Cross," in Cuneo in 1993. This encounter introduced him to a profound faith experience. He began attending prayer groups and eventually met the founders of the House of Mary, Don Giacomo Martinelli and Nicoletta Reschini. Through them, he learned of the ongoing events in Medjugorje, where Our Lady had been appearing for over forty years.
For a young man raised in a climate of atheism, this revelation was life-altering. He embarked on a year of discernment, catechesis, and spiritual growth, culminating in his baptism. The desire for total consecration to the Lord as a priest was ignited during this period.

The Path to Priesthood

After three years as an external member of the House of Mary community, Arjan was definitively admitted. He commenced his studies in philosophy and theology. These studies, while vital, were just one aspect of his priestly formation. His true formation happened within the community, in the vibrant experience of faith that House of Mary and the "Sons of the Cross" provided.

Becoming a Bishop and Challenges Facing the Church in Albania

Today, this once-unknown refugee is Metropolitan Archbishop of Tirana-Durrës in Albania, the first bishop from the fraternity that embraced him. He humbly regards himself as one of the "brothers of the Lord" within the fraternity, carrying the responsibility of bishop with grace and humility. He acknowledges the challenges facing the Albanian Church, including the call for true synodality and the need to cherish the legacy of martyrdom, a unique aspect of the Albanian Church's history. This Church, ancient yet renewed, must cultivate its message and appeal to the young, all while navigating a landscape with a strong presence of the Orthodox Church and Islam.

Welcome Migrants

With his own story as a migrant fresh in memory, he offers insight into the global issue of migration. He believes in responding to the real desires of the human heart, providing hope to those seeking refuge, while also preserving the identity of host countries. The key, he asserts, lies in cultivating the richness of cultural encounters and maintaining one's identity without losing sight of the beauty in welcoming others.

A Beacon of Hope

In closing, his story exemplifies the transformative power of faith and resilience. Archbishop Arjan Dodaj's journey, from a young boy fleeing poverty to a bishop leading his community, is a testament to the enduring nature of faith and the capacity for renewal within the human spirit. It serves as a beacon of hope in a world often marked by adversity and uncertainty.