Dear Fellow Ministers and Brethren:

Several have written to inquire about the eruptions of Mt. Etna, in Sicily, where several of our brethren are living.

During the last three weeks there were several explosions and magma eruptions. The lava flew very close to some houses and buildings at the Etna feet and even the airport had to be closed, as the grounds were covered everywhere with black volcanic earth in a ray of 100 kilometer. This series of magma eruptions was one of the longest and powerful in the last two centuries. I am writing to reassure all of you about the fact that, thank God, the eruptions have ceased, so far, and that all our brethren in Sicily are doing all right - residing completely out of the lava path.

The volcano is now sleeping and smoking again, being this its characteristic for millennia. As long as the volcano smokes, the inner pressure is constantly relieved and consequently even possible earthquakes are vanished. Let us pray and hope that it keeps this way for many years in the future.

I take this opportunity to pass your Italian brethren thanks and warm greetings.

In brotherly love,
Carmelo Anastasi