PHOTO FROM OUR LADY OF SHKODRA, CARDINAL, SIMONI, A LIVING MARTYR

Many thanks to Ed Riley for sharing--and Mary D'Cruz---for the photo and write-up. For those who do not know, Cardinal Ernest Simoni, is considered a living martyr---and was imprisoned in Communist Albania for 18 years.

This is from the recent Noon Mass at Our Lady of Shkodra in Hardsdale. (Sharing picture taken with Cardinal Simoni, living martyr.)



Cardinal Ernest Simoni turns 98 this month. When I heard @ 10 am today that he would celebrate noon Mass @ Our Lady of Shkodra Church (Good Counsel, ethnically Albanian parish), Hardsdale, I rushed & got there.

Cardinal Simoni walked up to the altar, ever so strong & steady, only needed slight help for the steps. The church was packed, all Albanians. Mass in Albanian. He recites 4 rosaries a day & encouraged us to do so. His homily was 30 mins. His voice was loud & clear. He has been traveling in the U.S. & Europe. He just returned from Berlin.

When asked how he remains so strong even physically, he pointed upward to God. His face is smooth. He looks radiant. He communicates in Albanian & Latin. After Mass, he blessed each one of us individually.

Our Lady of Shkodra Church is arranging birthday celebrations @ Misto restaurant, Bronx, on Oct 18. Cost $150 each. All proceeds go to the needy.