Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland Eamon Martin has offered prayers following the devastating earthquake in central Italy.
The 6.2-magnitude quake last Wednesday flattened three medieval towns in central Italy, destroying not only private homes but also churches and other centuries-old cultural treasures.
Bulldozers have been continuing the clear-up operation in a town where 230 people died. Amatrice bore the brunt of destruction while 11 others died in nearby Accumoli and 50 more in Arquata del Tronto, 10 miles north of Amatrice.
Last Saturday, mourners prayed, hugged, wept and even applauded as coffins carrying earthquake victims passed by at a state funeral in the town of Ascoli Piceno. The caskets of 35 people had been brought to a community gym - one of the few structures in the area still intact.
Bishop, Giovanni D'Ercole, celebrated Mass beneath a crucifix he had retrieved from one of the damaged churches.
Bishop D'Ercole urged residents to rebuild their communities.
"Don't be afraid to cry out your suffering - I have seen a lot of this - but please do not lose courage," he said.
"Only together can we rebuild our houses and our churches."
Archbishop Martin said he was deeply saddened to learn of the deaths of so many people.
"Following the example of Pope Francis - who replaced his weekly general audience in Rome by leading pilgrims in the rosary for the victims of the earthquake - I offer my prayerful solidarity to the people of the affected areas and for their loved ones who have been injured and killed," he said.
"I also ask for prayers of support to those providing emergency assistance and medical treatment to the injured and displaced. Many Irish people have friends and family living in Italy or have spent time there on holidays and, at this time of human loss, I encourage everyone, through prayer and friendship, to express solidarity with our Italian community in our parishes, schools and workplaces."
