Saints celebrated on the 11th of May
BLESSED GJON SERAFIN KODA, PRIEST AND MARTYR
Blessed Gjon Koda, resident in Albania, was born on April 25, 1893 in Janjevo, Lypjan, Serbia. A professed Franciscan Friar and priest, he celebrated his first Mass in Lezhë, Albania, on July 30, 1925.
THE ARREST BY THE COMMUNISTS
He was arrested and tortured for two weeks, he was tortured by Communist authorities in Lezhë. He was told he could save himself if only he would agree that his Franciscan confreres gathered for political reasons to plot against the government led by Enver Halil Hoxha.
HIS MARTYR'S CROWN
Father Koda refused to "confess" this the lie and was killed by his torturers driving nails through his throat, on May 11, 1947.
HIS RELICS
He was buried secretly in the area. His grave was re-discovered on September 16, 1994 and his relics re-interred in the walls of the Franciscan church of in Lezhë. Fr Koda was beatified November 5, 2016.
(Fr Koda is also commemorated on November 5, the feast day of the Martyrs of Albania.)
PRAYER:
Grant, we beseech you, almighty God, that the venerable feast of Gjon Serafin, your blessed priest and martyr, may increase our devotion and promote our salvation. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God, for ever and ever. Amen.
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