Italian Benedictines Receive Hungarian Help

With the support of the Hungarians, the monastery and pilgrimage house of the Order of Saint Benedict (OSB) were rebuilt in St. Benedict's birthplace. A severe earthquake in central Italy in 2016 caused enormous damage to the city of Norcia, rendering the monastic order's house unsafe. Through the Hungary Helps program, the Hungarian government contributed to rebuilding and renovating the monastery of the Abbey of St. Benedict in Norcia.

Norcia is a symbol of Europe, of Italy, of rebirth and of peace, Lorenzo Fontana, president of Italy's Chamber of Deputies, told our paper. It is a place of great importance for Western culture. The speaker of the lower house of the Italian parliament said that they are extremely grateful to everyone who provided financial support for the reconstruction, including the Hungarian government. The abbot of the Benedictine community and the city authorities also highly appreciated the generous donation from the Hungarians.

Norcia Mayor Giuliano Boccanera emphasized that the support of the Hungarians is extremely important not only for the monastic community, but also for the city, since Norcia suffered enormous destruction in the earthquake in 2016.

This gesture is a wonderful gift from the Hungarian government and citizens, a testimony of their closeness and friendship,

said the mayor, adding that they will keep the kindness and compassion of the Hungarians in their hearts. The members of the Benedictine community emphasized that the new pilgrimage house will welcome Hungarian pilgrims and will enable the strengthening of the relations with the Benedictine communities in Hungary, especially with the Benedictine community in Gyor, western Hungary.

Cover photo: The renovated chapel (Photo: Dalma Janosi)