Last week, a statue of Saint Mother Teresa was unveiled in the city of Osijek, Croatia, in a ceremony organized by the Albanian community of the Slavonia and Baranja regions. This heartfelt tribute brought together representatives from the Croatian government, members of the local Albanian community, and Albanians from across the Albanian-speaking regions. Attendees honored Mother Teresa’s legacy of love and solidarity, describing the statue as a symbol of the profound ties between the Albanian and Croatian people.
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Mother Teresa, born Anjezë Gonxhe Bojaxhiu in Skopje, is of Albanian origin and is celebrated globally for her life of selfless service and compassion. Her Albanian heritage is a significant aspect of her identity, with her values deeply rooted in the strong traditions of love and community found in Albanian culture.
Dragan Vulin, the Deputy Mayor of Osijek, acknowledged the historical contributions of Albanians in defending the city and expressed his gratitude to the Albanian community for their dedication to promoting these shared values. Basri Haliti, Chairman of the National Community of Albanians, stated that the statue of Mother Teresa serves as an inspiration for universal values of love and care for others. Additionally, in representation of the Croatian Parliament and the President of Croatia, MP Ermina Lekaj Prlaskaj praised this initiative as a symbol of shared values of peace and understanding.
Renowned biographer of Mother Teresa, Dom Lush Gjergji, addressed the audience, emphasizing that Mother Teresa’s “language was the universal language of love.” During the event, historical relations between the Albanian and Croatian peoples were highlighted, dating back to the times of Arbëria and Dubrovnik, strengthened by figures like the historian Milan Šufflay, who dedicated his life to Albanian history.
The statue’s inauguration marks another testament to the deep and historical friendship between Albanians and Croatians, further enhancing the bonds of mutual respect and solidarity between the two nations.