Earthquake destroys Basilica of St. Benedict in Norcia
October 31, 2016
The medieval Basilica of St. Benedict, built in the saint’s birthplace of Norcia (Nursia), Italy, was destroyed by a powerful earthquake on October 30.
No deaths were reported, and the Benedictine monks of Norcia stated they were safe and ministering to others.
“I express my closeness to the populations of central Italy affected by the earthquake,” Pope Francis said following his October 30 Angelus address. “I pray for the wounded and for the families that have suffered great damages, as well as for the personnel involved in rescue and assistance. May the Risen Lord give them strength, and may Our Lady protect them.”
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Further information:
- Norcia, la basilica di San Benedetto in polvere (Avvenire)
- New earthquake rocks Italy, buildings collapse but no deaths reported (Reuters)
- ANGELUS ADDRESS: On Zacchaeus ‘the Tax Collector’ (Zenit)
- The Monks of Norcia (Twitter)
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