On October 13, these words were said by Andon: "I have long wanted to visit you. I was eager and intrigued to learn about this beautiful work of mercy!"
By saying these words, the visit of Andon began. He is the new Metropolitan of Elbasan, specifically of the Orthodox Church of Albania. He visited the family home of the Community of Sant'Egidio, where 16 sick people live. In particular, they are former patients of the psychiatric hospital in Tirana.
Andon was welcomed with joy by all the guests, who were proud to show him their home. The Metropolitan enjoyed conversations with each of them in a familiar atmosphere. In the end, he said:
"Today I saw a place where some chronically ill people, who are affected by mental health problems, live in very adequate and dignified conditions. It is a house full of love that the friends of the Community of Sant'Egidio have provided to those who are most in need, by giving them back in this way their smiles and dignity. Fraternity, which Jesus teaches us, is fully realized in this house. Here, we also understand how much we have been loved by the Lord and how much we need to share this love with others, especially the poorest. Congratulations and may God make this work of yours bear fruit and be a good example for all of us".
Tirana Youth for Peace
For the past 6 months, a group of young people from the "Eqrem Çabej" high school in Tirana have been visiting the elderly guests of the Mother Teresa of Calcutta sisters' home. These visits are occasions for young and old people to meet and celebrate. Between games and group dances, there is space to get to know each other. For instance, one girl wrote "get acquainted" on a poster that was displayed at the school. That sentence is understood as "making a family."
One of the students argues that “the elders taught us the importance of friendship”.
