Messages have been pouring in at the website following the earthquake near Amatrice and Norcia, between the provinces of Rieti and Ascoli Piceno in central Italy. Some tell about extracting a grandfather from the rubble safe and sound; others about rushing a cousin to hospital where they are still waiting. Some express their deep distress over what has happened, while others are trying to help or at least be close to friends and acquaintances who have suffered damage and casualties.” So writes the editor of Città Nuova, the Focolare’s press office in Italy, about the strong 6.0 magnitude earthquake that occurred between the villages of Norcia and Amatrice. The Focolare Movement worldwide expresses its closeness to the populations that were hit by the earthquake in central Italy and offers prayers for the victims, their families and everyone who has suffered material or moral harm. Some Focolare members are all ready at the scene working together with many other volunteers in the arduous task of rescuing people from the ruins and trying to comfort those who have lost loved ones. Coordinated assistance has begun and contributions can be made to the following accounts: CAUSE: Emergenza Terremoto Italia

  Contributions made to either of these accounts for the earthquake emergency cause will be jointly administrated by the Focolare’s Action for a United World (AMU) and New Families Association (AFN). There are tax benefits attached to such contributions in many countries of the European Union and in other countries.