A local agritourismo has kindly invited the monks to set up a temporary chapel in one of their refurbished buildings. It was hardly touched by the earthquake, and is very suitable, though of course quite small setting.

The owners gave us a nice spread aafterwards of tea, coffee, juice and snacks, so it was really quite lovely, and like a bit of a reunion. Slowly life returns to normal.

We went for a nice dinner out last night at one of the Bianconi hotels. The Bianconi family are great friends of the monastery and, with their four hotels, two restaurants and sponsorship of many sporting and cultural events, they wanted to assure the outside world that Norcia is still a great place to visit, beautiful and peaceful. They are sponsoring a party for the town’s children this afternoon to help everyone feel like life still goes on.

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