Earthquake in Abruzzo

Last night at 3:32 AM there was a strong earthquake in the city of Aquila, Italy. Our Franciscan brothers there are well, thank God. However, their Provincial Curia of the Province of Saint Bernadine was destroyed while the Basilica – which holds the mortal remains of St. Bernadine himself – and the Poor Clare Monastery both suffered severe damage. Among the dead is the Abbess of the Poor Clare Monastery of Paganica not far from the city of Aquila. Two other Poor Clare Sisters were hospitalized while the rest of the sisters were taken into the home of a family member of one of the sisters. As we show our nearness to the brothers of the Province of Aquila, we also pray for all the wounded and dead.

The Order, as in other occasions, will reach out to them by offering financial assistance. All those who also would like to help out, may do so by sending your donations to the Bursar (Treasurer) General at the General Curia of the Friars Minor in Rome, specifying the intention of your donation, namely, “For the Victims of the Earthquake of Aquila”.