Notre-Dame de Latroun – In the Fire
May 1, 2025 6:34 amThis morning, 30 April 2025, as the State of Israel commemorated its fallen soldiers, a succession of fires broke out across the country. At around 10:00am seven fires were reported on the hill of Neve Shalom, opposite the monastery. Due to the force of the Khamsin, a powerful southerly wind, the fire spread rapidly, threatening the firefighters at the scene. At noon, following a police decision, the brothers of Latroun were forced to evacuate the monastery. Travelling to the town of Abu Ghosh, some were immediately welcomed by the Sisters of Saint Joseph, while the rest were received by the Benedictine monks. The monks of Latroun express their gratitude for the generosity of the brothers and sisters who took them in, as well as for all those who expressed their support through messages throughout the day. We were touched by this outpouring of solidarity.
During the afternoon, a group of six monks managed to return to the monastery, avoiding the roadblocks. They noticed that the fire had been partially brought under control. After surrounding the monastery, it had spread to the other side of the road. A large number of the olive trees were burned, as well as a small part of the vineyard. As this is the mowing season, all the surrounding fields were ravaged by the fire. The fire stopped a metre from the buildings, which were completely preserved. As the monks were unable to remain on site, the damage has not yet been fully assessed.
Once again, the support and prayers of the monastery’s friends, combined with the tireless and ceaseless work of the firefighters, enabled the monastery and its brothers to hold firm. The Mass for the Dedication of Latroun Abbey will be celebrated tomorrow, 1 May 2025, at 10:30am in the Church of Latroun. The fire reduced a large part of the monastery’s production to ashes, and it is on these ashes that the brothers of Latrun, with the support and solidarity of all their friends, will rebuild this place, whose importance the neighbours have shown today.
From the Community of Latroun
Categorised in: General News