http://www.medievalhistories.com/wp-content/uploads/WEB-Earthquake-Curtesey-of-the-benedictines-in-Norcia-500x333.jpg 500w, In 2000 a group of Benedictine monks led by Fr. Cassian Folsom returned to Norcia to relive their vocation in the birthplace of St. Benedict. This autum their carefully built community suffered a devastating blow, culminating yesterday when a massive earthquake hit the small Umbrian town once again and the Basilica literally sank to the ground.
The Valnerina is a green valley through which the river Nera winds among steep hills and gentle slopes. Here, situated 604 meters above the sea level lies the birthplace of St. Benedict and his twin-sister St. Scholastica.
History of Norcia
the Basilica of San Benedetto in Norcia. 123rf/39482826The town has a long history reaching back to the Punic wars. In Roman times the town gained political significance. Then again, it was upset by the Goths and later the Langobards, to once more recover in the Middle Ages. Continuously destroyed by series of earthquakes, the small town with no more than 5000 inhabitants has nevertheless regained new importance in the last 25 years after a group of Benedictine monks rebuilt a priory and community in the spirit of St. Benedict. Having worked for decades reconstructing the dilapidated heritage, (which was destroyed in another earthquake in 1979) and spending millions of donations on this project, the latest earthquake in October 2016 must be particularly heart-breaking for the people of Norcia and the religious community, which has played such an important role in recreating Norcia as a new spiritual resting place.
The main sight in Norcia was until yesterday the Basilica di San Benedetto. Now, the bell tower with the Gothic facade dating back to 1389 seems to be the only part still standing, while the rest has tumbled and lies in ruins. As not much of the original medieval building has been retained since the baroque era changed its architectural style, it may not seem as if it represents a terrible loss. However, there is no doubt that it represents a devastating blow for the inhabitants of the town and the recently re-founded Benedictine Priory.
One must nevertheless hope the earthquake will result in an archaeological excavation of the Basilica before it is rebuilt, as remains of a late-Roman house in the crypt are thought to be the birth-place of St. Benedict.
So-far, not much is known about what has happened to the rest of the small town but yet another fascinating monument is the Palazzo Communale from the 14th century, which was the former residence of the Papal legate. This is also located on the central square, where another impressive example of Renaissance architecture, this time civil, can be found: the “Castellina”, a four-sided strong-hold built by Vignola and nowadays seat of the Municipal Diocesan Museum. At the south end is the old Cathedral in town, pitifully fitted with a flat roof. This church was destroyed in a an earthquake in 1700 and barely survived. From photos it appears this church has also been severely damaged in the earthquake.
St. Benedict
In many ways, St. Benedict must be regarded as the patron of the ordinary, says Fr. Cassian. Their life is all about getting op in the morning, praying and working while staying put in the same place, he tells. “In a sense this is all about finding the presence of God in the ordinary”, he continues. When an earthquake hits, he considers this not as a message from God inspiring them to quit; quite the opposite: this is an occasion to once more pull themselves together to rebuild the church, monastery and the grangie outside church. “Luckily, we are a young community, with an average age of 33”, he adds.
SOURCE:
Monks Norcia – A YouTube Channel
Deep Roots. A campaign to rebuild Norcia after the devastating eart...
READ MORE:
Young Monks Explain Why They Stay Away From ‘Secular’ Music While S...
By Jeannie Law
In: Brethecast 2015
MUSIC:
BENEDICTA: Marian Chant from Norcia,
De Montfort Music together with Decca Classics/Universal Music Classics 2015
Take a Tour
Cammino di San Benedetto/Route of St. Benedict
This is an organised tour or route leading from Norcia to Montecassiono – in the Footsteps of St. Benedict. Covering 310 km it takes about a fortnight to three weeks to cover the distance (sixteen stages).
Pentru a putea adăuga comentarii trebuie să fii membru al altmarius !
Alătură-te reţelei altmarius