Pray for Monterosso

One of the beautiful towns on the western coast of northern Italy is Monterosso. It is one of five small cities that make up the Cinque Terra. It is a popular tourist destination located in what has become known as the Italian Riviera. We were there just three weeks ago and had a lovely time. The view of the Ligurian Sea from high up on the ridge overlooking Monterosso and the bay was breathtaking.

When we arrived in Monterosso by train from Milan we manhandled our luggage from the train, through the station, and through the tunnel into the old town, about a half-mile to the old church. We had instructions - well, more like guidelines - for how to navigate the cobblestone streets to find Manuel's Guesthouse - the place where we would stay for two nights. Our luggage wheels bounced along the streets until we came to steps. As we paused to get our bearings and to confirm that these were the steps we were to climb, an Italian man - about 5'5" and 60 ish - rounded the corner and spoke to us. He asked, "Are you looking for Manuel's Guesthouse?" We answered affirmatively. Without pausing he enthusiastically said, "I am Manuel!" A few moments later we were headed up the steps - all 159 of them - leading to Manuel's Guesthouse. We did appreciate Lorenzo, Manuel's nephew, who came to our aid and helped us haul our luggage up the steep, winding steps. When we arrived at the top we were greeted by Giovanni, Manuel's brother, who had us sit down on the terrace and rest and have a drink of cool water while Lorenzo went to finish preparing our rooms for the night.

Monterosso was magnificently beautiful and Manuel and his family were superb hosts. When we left there we felt like we had been welcomed by family.

As we arrived in Rome about 9 days later we began to hear that severe rains had caused flooding in Cinque Terra. We investigated more and were shocked to learn that Monterosso had received 22 inches of rain and had been all but destroyed by a mudslide. Nine people in this region lost their lives. Train tracks and roads were washed out causing Monterosso and Vernazza (the nearest Cinque Terra town) to be cut off. Vernazza had to be evacuated by sea. The news reports quoted the mayor of Monterosso as saying, "Monterosso no longer exists!" (Below I have included a link to a news report with video.)

Since we fell in love with this place and these people, our hearts have continually turned back to Monterosso. We have been in touch with Manuel and know that he and his family and his guesthouse are all safe and intact. However, we also know that it will take months and possibly years before things are back to normal. So - if you are a prayerful person and you don't mind, would you say a prayer for Monterosso? That would mean a lot to me - and to Manuel.
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/europe/italy/8850032/Villages-all-but-wiped-out-as-storms-batter-Italys-Cinque-Terre.html