Amid scenes of devastation, a simple and hopeful sign

The images shown by the media of the damage caused by the earthquake that struck central Italy in August 2016 are devastating. Villages like Amatrice have been practically wiped off the map. This tragedy led Pope Francis to cancel the traditional Wednesday catechesis in order to pray the Rosary with the pilgrims in St Peter's Square instead.

But in the midst of this desolation, a simple sign of hope has emerged: a statue of the Madonna was found intact after the massive earthquake in Pescara del Tronto. The image was immediately spread on the Internet. In April, a similar sign caused a wave of emotions (and controversy) in Ecuador, another country hard hit by an earthquake. There also, a statue of Our Lady remained intact amid the rubble.

Can we call this occurrence a miracle? Not necessarily. However, the fact can be interpreted as a sign of hope. The question remains: how was this fragile statue of the Madonna able to withstand such a strong earthquake?

Gaudium Press and Aleteia.PT