Saturday, November 12, 2016

Italian premier promises help rebuilding Norcia basilica

https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQUNSwaqcvUDXLH8rbPqLkCkwkho78ms8qpshLGSiZkhplB68cOzQItalian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi has promised the government’s support for the restoration of the basilica of St. Benedict in Norcia, which was nearly levelled by the recent earthquake.

“Fixing Norcia’s St. Benedict church is a way to put Europe back together,” Renzi said. He explained that at a time of discord, the restoration of a beloved religious symbol will be a way of uniting people.

The Italian bishops’ conference has provided the government with a list of churches that will need structural repairs because of earthquake damage. 

Taking a cue from Renzi, the bishops’ conference said that churches “are heritage for people’s identity and belonging, places of gathering, recognition, and celebration, places made even more meaningful by the tragedy that has deprived thousands of people of homes.”