Sad news: Basilica of St. Benedict will NOT be rebuilt following quake

Basilica at the birthplace of Western monasticism was destroyed by quake.

The Basilica of St. Benedict, located in Norica, Italy, will not be rebuilt, following its destruction in an earthquake last October.

LOS ANGELES, CA (California Network) -- The Basilica of St. Benedict will not be rebuilt, despite its historical significance. The basilica is the birthplace of Western monasticism and is of immense significance to Catholics around the world and monks in particular. However, the historical treasure, despite recent renovation, was destroyed in an earthquake on Oct. 30 of last year.

The Archdiocese of Spoleto-Norica, which owns the structure, has said the monks will make permanent their move to an old monastic house about two miles outside the town.

The ancient monastery was first built in the 8th century where monks gathered at the site of St. Benedict's birth. The monks eventually settled there in the 10th century and remained until 1810 when they were driven away by political persecution. The community was reestablished in 1998, and the monks were tasked by the Pope with maintaining the site.

 The modern basilica was built in the 14th century and stood until October 30, 2016, when a 6.6 earthquake caused the medieval structures to collapse.

The destruction of the basilica is so thorough that there is no hope of rebuilding it.

Instead, the regional archbishop has declared, that a new, modern structure will be built two miles outside the city walls.

The decision is painful for the monks who feel an attachment to the old basilica and who worked for sixteen years to maintain and renovate the site. However, the monks must rightly pour their energies into the pastoral care of the people they serve, and God will provide the way and the means.

In the conclusion of the Archbishop, this involves a new church and a refocused mission for the monks.