Shtjefën Kurti
Shtjefën Kurti (24 December 1898 – 20 October 1971) was an Albanian Roman Catholic priest killed during a period of communist persecution. Kurti served as a priest during a volatile period for his nation in which communist repression enjoined state atheism and led to strict rules being imposed that prevented clerics from performing their duties. Kurti continued to serve as a priest when needed, which led to his arrest with the accusation that he was colluding with spies. Kurti was arrested for the final time when it had been alleged that he secretly baptized a child which was forbidden by the regime. He was sentenced to death and executed by firing squad.
Kurti was beatified alongside other Martyrs of Albania killed during the communist repression on 5 November 2016 after their collective beatification was approved seven months prior. His liturgical feast is not affixed to the date of his death but rather on the date of the beatification as is the case with those beatified alongside him.
In the Martyrology
- October 20 Blessed Shtjefën Kurti, priest