It seems that the earthquakes that began been hitting Norcia this summer were only preludes to the main event. Just moments ago, reports began coming in from all over the Internet of strong tremors felt in Rome, lasting as long as 20 seconds. Early reports from some geological services said that this latest quake registered as a 6.9, but they have since mostly come in at the 6.5-6.6 range – still larger than anything to hit central Italy thus far this year. Here’s a video from EWTN producer and correspondent Mary Shovlain, who lives in Rome:
STONG aftershock in Rome just now! This is my apt a few moments ago:#terremoto #earthquake pic.twitter.com/DPi9GnvIOX
— Mary Shovlain (@maryshovlain) October 30, 2016
I was actually chatting with my friend and 1P5 contributor Hilary White via Facebook Messenger when it happened, and the connection just went out. Now we’re getting the first photos from Norcia, and it appears that the Basilica has been destroyed.
Central Norcia pic.twitter.com/FXvcGGf6Qk
— Edward Pentin (@EdwardPentin) October 30, 2016
The Basilica of St. Benedict is destroyed, flattened by most recent earthquake. #Terremoto pic.twitter.com/GQDl64LhFn
— The Monks of Norcia (@monksofnorcia) October 30, 2016
I’ve gotten word from a mutual friend in Italy that Hilary is ok, but the town is not. As the recent photo essay we published by Julian Kwasniewski showed, Norcia had become a center of revival for authentic Benedictine spirituality. The future is now looking very grim for the Benedictines in the birthplace of St. Benedict and St. Scholastica.
It is also reasonable to conclude at this point (though the news is still early) that there are towns where serious casualties have occurred. The Monks just tweeted this:
Monks are OK, searching for any who may need last rites. #Terremoto
— The Monks of Norcia (@monksofnorcia) October 30, 2016
Please pray for the people of Norcia — especially those who have moved there to be close to the Benedictine Monastery, and the Monks of Norcia — as well as any others affected by this quake.
I don’t expect to provide ongoing coverage of this event. The news media has the resources to do a better job. But when we get an update on what will become of the Benedictines or the town of Norcia itself, we will be sure to let you know.
Only the battered ‘front’ remains standing. Behind it is chaos and ruin. A symbolic picture of the current crisis in the Church.
Praying, of course. I hope the monks do not give up on Norcia. Perhaps the revival of Benedictine spirituality just got a little more physical.
So sorry to hear this news. Are there any relief charities specifically to aid the monks and the people of Norcia?
Yes, you can go here: http://en.nursia.org/donations/
Thank you for the link, as I just went there and donated. I am certain any donation will be appreciated by these good monks. May God bless and keep them….
Yes, a profound metaphor of the efforts of Pope Francis.
And this happens the day before Lund? This cannot be a coincidence.
These are the signs.
Norcia has a pull on you like nowhere else. Hard to put into words. I was there three years ago. Became an Oblate novice this summer.
This is seeing you’re home in ruins.
Indeed, Linda. I have been heartbroken all day….
The Great Stalin’s Patron Saint is St. Benedict of Nursia, so this news is especially upsetting.
I wonder, Comrades: what is Heaven telling us? Lightning hits St. Peters repeatedly; the Basilica of St. Benedict is destroyed – the two foundational points of global Christendom.
Heaven is not silent, it is giving us a message but do we any longer have the ears or eyes to hear and see it?
Tremors are reaching Rome you say?
“… before reaching there the Holy Father passed through a big city half in ruins and half trembling with halting step, afflicted with pain and sorrow, he prayed for the souls of the corpses he met on his way…”
These are the traditional Benedictines of Norcia who say the Latin Mass? Kyrie eleison.
Just another sign for those with eyes to see.
We are now in 100th anniversary year of Our Lady of Fatima admonitions!
Pray the rosary every day.