“Kosova Republikë!” was the phrase I used when sharing this moment from our visit to the Arbëresh community. In the caption, I named Papàs Antonio Bellusci and his brother, Tommaso. It belonged to the same journey that brought us to Bellusci’s library.
His connection to Kosovo is documented beyond the memories shared during a visit. In a tribute dated 20 June 2024, Kosovo’s presidency remembered his work for the Arbëresh language and his support for Kosovo’s freedom alongside Ibrahim Rugova. It also recalled granting him Kosovo citizenship. Read the presidency’s tribute.
I wanted to bring his name to people who might not have heard it before. The clip is part of that invitation to learn about the people behind the books and memories we encountered. It accompanies my note from the library visit.
Original social post · 2026-10-12