One of the most awaited moments during Holy Week is the baptism of several adults in St. Peter's Basilica during the Easter Vigil Mass.
One woman that will receive this baptism is Ilda Hoxhaj. An Albanian doctor specializing in General Surgery at the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart in the Gemelli Hospital.
Ilda was born and raised in Albania right after the fall of communism in the country, which prohibited practicing religion for over 45 years. The past experiences of her family and some renowned martyrs paved her path to express religious freedom.
ILDA HOXHAJ
There were many martyrs, especially in Shkodër, and in 2016 Pope Francis recognized them as Blessed. There are 38 in total. They were imprisoned and persecuted by the regime. They endured torture and extremely difficult times. But, holding on to hope and love for their faith and for the people, they gave their testimony. They wrote things down, and they helped us young people understand the importance of continuing to have faith
Ilda's journey to her conversion is a unique one. Her family may have been without religion, but they were full of faith. They've always prayed to God, but never gave Him a name. Ilda received signs later in life that led her to this very moment.
ILDA HOXHAJ
So during university, in moments of doubt or difficulty, I had a dream that I should go to the Church of Saint Anthony and pray and I did. And that was the first time I felt a sense of acceptance for who I was, with everything I was doing. I also felt all of my doubts begin to lift. That was my first true encounter with the Lord, and it deeply moved me.
Ilda is already preparing herself to be received into the Catholic Church. For her, this is a dream come true.
ILDA HOXHAJ
It’s a very important moment. Baptism as a sacrament is one of the most important things, I think, in a person’s life—and in a Christian’s life—because that’s when you receive the Word and truly begin your journey of faith.
It will give me the chance to attend Mass, to take part in the Eucharist, and to feel complete.
After receiving this sacrament, the baptized adults will still have to continue their formation in the journey of faith.
JH
