In the Albanian village of Gurëz, the “House of Angels” gives adults with disabilities the opportunity to grow, receive therapy, and build meaningful relationships with others. To ensure they can continue reaching their second home, we want to purchase a new minibus that will provide safe transportation and help prevent social isolation.
A Country Rebuilding After Years of Persecution
Albania’s modern history has been marked by profound hardship. In 1944, the Communists, led by Enver Hoxha, came to power. Over time, the regime launched a ruthless campaign against religion. In 1967, Albania declared itself an atheist state, banning all religious practice. Clergy and believers were persecuted, while churches and other places of worship were closed, destroyed, or converted to secular use. Priests accused of baptising children were sentenced to death, while some priests had their fingers cut off for celebrating Mass, preventing them from holding the Host. Many families managed to preserve their faith only through secret prayers in the privacy of their homes.
The fall of the communist regime in the early 1990s opened a new chapter in Albania’s history. However, rebuilding the country’s social and religious life proved to be a long process. Decades of isolation, poverty, and limited access to education and social care particularly affected people living in remote, mountainous areas. The country’s prolonged isolation has also contributed to the challenges faced by people with intellectual disabilities, many of whom continue to lack adequate support. It is in this challenging reality that the Dehonian Missionaries carry out their mission, bringing care, support, and hope to those most in need.
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A Home Where Everyone Matters
Albania provides no rehabilitation services or financial benefits for people with disabilities. The “House of Angels” was established to respond to their needs. Thanks to the dedication of the missionaries and the work of two therapists, participants take part in activities tailored to their abilities, develop new skills, and build relationships. For many, it is their only opportunity to leave home regularly, meet others, and actively participate in social life.
The centre is overseen by Fr Wojciech Bochenek, SCJ. From Monday to Friday, he travels through nearby villages to bring participants to the centre and take them home after their activities. The 15 people supported by the centre live as far as 50 kilometres from Gurëz. At the “House of Angels,” they can develop their abilities, build friendships, and discover their own worth, thanks to the daily care and support they receive.
Every participant in the Dehonian missionaries’ workshops has a unique story. Agnjeza enjoys helping prepare meals and taking part in handicrafts, finding joy in knowing that others need her. Brothers Besmir and Lirindon are gradually becoming more independent and opening up to new relationships. For them and the other participants, even small steps forward can bring about significant changes. Alban is full of energy. Although he does not speak and communicates through gestures and occasional sounds, he understands a great deal and is curious about the world around him. Aleksander faces mobility challenges and difficulties with speech. Yet he is an exceptionally perceptive observer who is often among the first to approach new people, greet them, and ask who they are.
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A Bus We Need to Keep Helping
The daily work of the centre would not be possible without reliable transportation. The participants live in scattered villages, and difficult, often poorly maintained roads make it challenging for them to reach Gurëz. The current minibus is heavily worn out and needs to be replaced with a newer, more reliable vehicle. We want to raise funds together to purchase a new minibus that will ensure safe and regular transport to the centre.
Without reliable transportation, many participants would have to remain at home, losing access to therapy, friendships, and opportunities for further development. A new minibus will help prevent isolation and keep them connected to their community. It will also serve the local parish, helping children, young people, older adults, and those in need attend Mass, catechism classes, and pastoral gatherings.
We want the “House of Angels” to remain a place where everyone can count on kindness, care, and human companionship. This is about more than buying a vehicle. It is an investment in people, their independence, personal growth, and relationships with others. Every donation brings us closer to achieving this goal.
Help us purchase a minibus for the Angels! We are raising funds for this purpose as part of the “The means of transport for missionaries” project. The cost of purchasing a new minibus for the Angels is approximately $48,000.
