'They are at their wits' end' - Basilica of St. Benedict destroyed in quake

'We will have to start from scratch.'

In wake of Italy's two huge earthquakes, many exhausted citizens have refused to leave, though several buildings have fallen apart - including the once beautiful Basilica of St. Benedict.

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - According to CNN, over 15,000 people have turned to temporary shelters after fleeing their homes.

Disaster zone footage revealed entire villages flattened, historic buildings were little more than crumbled stone, and people are flooding from destroyed cities.

In what can only be described as a miracle, there have been no reported deaths as a result of the 6.6-magnitude earthquake, the strongest quake to hit Italy in over 30 years.

The ensuing tremors wrought more havoc than its giant predecessors, leading to thousands of displaced families.

Titti Postiglione, Italy's Civil Protection agency's spokeswoman told reporters the number of people who require temporary housing is expected to grow.

"We are working under extremely difficult conditions," Postiglione stated. "The roads were already compromised after the previous quakes and now they're even worse."

Schools were closed, temporary shelters have been erected, several buildings have suffered major and minor damage, searches for injured people continue, inspections are being conducted and the government is sending in support.

Arquata del Tronto was hit hard, leaving its deputy mayor, Michele Franchi, explaining, "We will have to start from scratch. ...This morning's quake has hit the few things that were left standing."

Italy lost several historic buildings in the quakes, but none as prolific as the Basilica of St. Benedict in Norcia, which many have long-considered the heart of the city.

The only remaining pieces are the back-most portion of its foundation and part of the entrance wall.

Bishop Renato Boccardo of Norcia told Reuters: "Everyone has been suspended in a never-ending state of fear and stress. They are at their wits' end."

Please pray for those affected by the quakes. Pray for peace and the courage to rebuild.

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