Posted on 10/30/2016 7:14:09 AM PDT by Morgana
Dear friends,
Around 7:40 AM, a powerful earthquake struck close to Norcia. The monks are all safe, but our hearts go immediately to those affected, and the priests of the monastery are searching for any who may need the Last Rites.
The Basilica of St. Benedict, the historic church built atop the birthplace of St. Benedict, was flattened by this most recent quake. May this image serve to illustrate the power of this earthquake, and the urgency we monks feel to seek out those who need the Sacraments on this difficult day for Italy.
Relying, as ever, on your prayers and support,
Fr. Benedict Subprior
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catholic ping.....must have just happened.
Yes....they had a 6.6 or 6.8 quake in Italy this morning. Felt in Rome. Haven’t heard of casualties or fatalities yet, but I have heard there was “major damage”.
Obviously, the basilica is part of that.
OUCH!
Very sad to see old churches like this destroyed.
Are we sure it was really due to an earthquake?
From what I just saw, that church has been destroyed. I just found out about this and am still unsure of what is going on.
Was stationed in Northern Italy for 4 years at Aviano...... earthquakes are a given in fall and spring. Beautiful place, best assignment I ever had.....
One story says the facade still stands. I gather that this is a 13th-century church, remodelled and reconstructed over the years, built over ancient ruins. A sad loss, but this won’t be the first time it has been rebuilt.
The bricks in that pic don’t match. If you notice some are very off colored. Like it’s been rebuilt with different ones over time. Seems this Basicila has had troubles in the past with earthquakes.
Prayers up.
Prayers for the monks as they lose their chapel and basilica.
Prayers up
Um... Because there was an earthquake....?
Ok just checking.
Many people may not know that this basilica is used by a Benedictine house led by Americans. The founding prior, Father Cassian Folsom, has been struggling with cancer for some years. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=77vsiEwIAQs
These men are wonderful Christian men. They will rebuild with the full support of the townspeople who love them dearly.
The monks make great beer there: see at the 5 minute mark: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KUvZHuM6mmw
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