On the first of October, feast of St Therese of the Child Jesus, in the presence of Fr. General, Saverio Cannistrà, the monastery was opened in Nënshat, Albania, which forms part of the Province of Central Italy.
In the morning, Mass was celebrated with the Carmelite nuns in their monastery church. Later on the friars’ monastery was inaugurated, once more in the presence of Fr General, together with the three missionary friars at present in Albania, the Administrator of the diocese and the Archbishop of Scutari, Mons. Massafra. Also present was a good number of priests, religious and secular order members from the country, together with a representation of Discalced Carmelite friars from Italy.
The grand finale of this joyful day ended with refreshments accompanied by dance and songs of the region. But before things came truly to an end we had to taste an exquisite tart in the form of the new monastery, prepared by the Carmelite nuns, together with images of Our Lady, St Joseph and the Holy Face which the nuns wished to give to the community on this occasion.
