VATICAN CORNER
A 6.2-magnitude earthquake struck central Italy at 3:36 AM on Wednesday August 24, 2016, killing more than 290 people. The region located about 65 miles northeast of Rome with its the picturesque mountain towns of Norcia, Lazio, Umbira and Le Marche were seriously damaged and the town of Amatrice, with a population of 2,600 people, the worst hit, with many of its houses collapsing, resulting in 230 deaths. The total numbered killed by the quake is expected to rise as rescue teams reach the remote areas of the region. Pope Francis on hearing of the quake earlier that morning postponed his prepared speech for the Wednesday General Audience and instead led the faithful gathered in St. Peter’s Square in the recitation of the Sorrowful Mysteries of the Most Holy Rosary. He expressed his “heartfelt sorrow and spiritual closeness” to all those affected by the earthquake and its aftershocks. He said he was deeply saddened upon learning children were among the dead, and of hearing of the total destruction of the town of Amatrice. He offered his thanks to all of the volunteers and rescue workers assisting in the affected areas. He asked everyone to join him in prayer to Jesus, that the Lord might “console the broken-hearted, and, through the intercession of the Virgin Mary, bring them peace.” “With Jesus,” Pope Francis concluded, “let our hearts be moved with compassion.” As a concrete sign of his closeness to the victims, Pope Francis sent a team of 6 Vatican firefighters and 6 Vatican policemen to Amatrice to help Italy’s Civil Protection workers search for survivors still under the rubble and assist those already rescued. With thousands of people temporarily homeless, Italy’s Catholic Churches held a special Sunday collection to help the victims of the quake. Many Roman restaurants have decided to donate 2 Euro to earthquake relief for every plate of amatriciana they sell. Amatriciana is a signature dish of Roman restaurants. It is a tomato-based sauce made with bacon-like bits of cured pork, pecorino cheese and tomato served with buccatini, a thick long pasta, Legend says the sauce was born in the town of Amatrice, hence the name. Since a large earthquake can also be expected in our area someday, here are a few preparedness guidelines: Attach water heaters and heavy furniture like book cases to the house walls. Attach pictures and mirrors to walls with closed hook or wire loop. Never put objects that can fall and cause injury over beds. During a quake get away from unreinforced masonry like chimneys. Know how to turn off the natural gas supply to the home and make sure that you have the appropriate wrench easily accessible. Plan for water and sewer disruption. Make an earthquake kit and an earthquake plan and know what to do.
Sources: Catholic.org, news.va, cruznow.com, resilience.abag.ca.gov