Norcia monastery to move outside town
April 25, 2017
The Benedictine monks who established a community in Norcia in 2000 have announced plans to move out of the town, to set up a new monastery in the neighboring hills.
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The historic basilica in the birthplace of St. Benedict, where the monks had lived, was destroyed by last year’s earthquakes, and the monks moved to a temporary site outside the town. Now the monks of Norcia have announced that their move will be permanent.
The European Union and the Italian government have pledged funds to rebuild the basilica. However, the Archdiocese of Spoleto-Norcia, which holds title to the property, reportedly wants to build a modern structure. In an Easter message, the Benedictine community revealed that the archdiocese has “asked us to free up space in our buildings in town... for their own needs.”
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Further information:
- Monks of Norcia to Move Permanently Outside the City Walls (Rorate Caeli)
- Easter Message (Monks of Norcia)
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Posted by: nix898049 -
Apr. 26, 2017 11:30 AM ET USA
What started out sounding like a much needed assist is sounding more like a takeover. I do believe they have other funding sources. But it may still be trouble brewing. (No pun, really!)
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Posted by: filioque -
Apr. 25, 2017 6:32 PM ET USA
This is a disgrace. The preservation of the birthplace of St. Benedict and St. Scholastics with an active monastery is not important to the Bishop of Spoleto. The façade of the ancient basilica, all that is left after the quake, will now be either destroyed or attached to some modern monstrosity. Obviously the bishop can't wait to capture the site for the forces of ugliness and faithlessness.
