Boscotrecase. The citizens' appeal for the works of the Church of San Francesco d'Assisi

Leaks and damp stains risk damaging the Church of San Francesco d'Assisi in via Carlo Alberto. Hence the appeal to the citizens and institutions of the Franciscan community of Boscotrecase founded in 1883: "help us to carry out the work". The place of worship, built directly by the faithful in the aftermath of the terrifying eruption of Vesuvius on 8 April 1906, requires urgent interventions to waterproof the roof. But the funds available are insufficient. Hence the s.os to the municipal administration, to the higher institutions and to all the devotees to raise the funds necessary to carry out the work.
"Now - says one of the members of the association - we can no longer postpone. The rainwater has already caused problems inside. Something must be done before it is too late". The group of lay people who are inspired by the message of the Poor Man of Assisi have obtained the help of the engineer Alfredo Izzo, who also holds the position of city councilor, who has agreed to make his professionalism available free of charge to draw up a plan and to manage the construction site.
Immediately after the work, to be entrusted to a company that has all the required requisites, it will be necessary to arrange for the restyling of the only existing nave. In fact, the traces of rainwater infiltration are evident on the walls. One of the members of the congregation took some photos that show the level of deterioration that has been reached in recent times. "From now on, all the offerings collected during celebrations and events - explains one of the managers - will be donated to this purpose. The next Feast of San Francesco will also be aimed at raising funds to be used for this purpose".
The Church of San Francesco d'Assisi is an integral part of the history of the town, and indeed embodies the tenacity and spirit of self-denial of the people of Boscotrecase who, after the eruption of Vesuvius in 1906, immediately knew how to organize themselves and build, practically from scratch, the religious building in question. Over the years, the temple has become a point of reference for spirituality but also for the many social and cultural initiatives that have been organized by the Franciscans.