Abruzzo Earthquake 'Miracle'

On the Monday of Holy Week the Abruzzo region of Central Italy was hit by its most devastating earthquake in 30 years, measuring a magnitude of 6.3 and claiming almost 300 lives. Amidst the wreckage, however, there emerged a sign of hope.

It happened in Rocca di Cambio, the highest mountain village in the Gran Sasso Mountains of Abruzzo. There, in the church of San Pietro alla Collegiata, a fresco of the Virgin Mother and infant Jesus was discovered.

The fresco appeared when the earthquake shook the church and the altar came away from wall. Experts believe the artwork is from the 11th Century at the time the church was built.

Antonio Pace, the mayor of Rocca di Cambio, told the London times, “When we went in to check the damage we saw that the altar had moved, and behind the fallen plaster was the fresco. There was tremendous excitement, as you can imagine.”

“This is wonderful news at a time of so much destruction and sorrow,” Pace went on to say. “The appearance of the Madonna and Child is a sign of hope. Nothing short of a miracle.”