Midnight in Umbria’s city of Norcia.
Huge construction lights illuminate the facade of the Basilica of St. Benedict. Behind the facade, ruin. The loss of this religious and artistic treasure will take decades to restore-if it can ever be restored.
October 30, 2016 – the aftermath
The basilica was constructed over the site where, in 480 AD, the founder of the Benedictine order and Sister St. Scolastica were born.
Benedict’s legacy has been plagued with difficulties. The Monastery of Monte Cassino, located close to Rome, was destroyed during the final years of WWII. Though it was rebuilt, the crosses that mark the cost of allied victory dot the cemeteries at the abbey.
Now, the loss of the home church.
PLEASE keep the people of central Italy in your thoughts, meditations and prayers.
In June of 2015, the monks released a CD of their chants, recorded within the nave of the Basilica. As you hear the bells, calling the monks to service, and you hear the echo of their voices as they reflect off of 13th century wall, please remember that the walls exist no more. Now, the ghostly rise of their voices seek the stars . . .
Please click on the album cover below to watch the beautiful and moving video to mark the launch of their album.(Note that if you purchase the CD from their site, a portion of the proceeds go to help those in need.)
