Nuns Escape Inferno at Historic Italian Monastery

A devastating fire erupted late Saturday evening at the Bernaga Monastery in La Valletta Brianza, just outside of Milan, prompting a swift evacuation of the 21 nuns residing on the premises. Fortunately, all the nuns escaped unharmed, but the blaze resulted in significant destruction, engulfing numerous priceless artifacts within the nearly 400-year-old building.

The fire caused the complete destruction of the monastery’s roof and left a trail of damage that may render much of its invaluable collection unsalvageable. Local media reported that many artworks and artifacts, including those associated with the recently canonized Saint Carlo Acutis, were likely lost in the flames. Massimo Sertori, a regional councilor, shared on Facebook that 19 nuns were relocated to a nearby religious facility for temporary housing, while two others received treatment for unspecified injuries.

The monastery, which opened its doors in 1628, is notable for being the site where Saint Carlo Acutis celebrated his First Communion. Acutis, who was canonized on September 7, 2023, is regarded as the first millennial saint. He passed away at the young age of 15 due to leukemia in 2006, but during his short life, he garnered attention for creating a website that documented miracles worldwide. His family fondly remembers him as a spirited youth with a passion for soccer and popular culture.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, but Sertori suggested it may have been triggered by “a short circuit from one of the cells of the Ambrosian Rite monks living there.” The Ambrosian Rite, a liturgical tradition within the Catholic Church, is named after Saint Ambrose, a significant figure in Milan’s history during the 4th century.

Local officials, including Marco Panzeri, the mayor of La Valletta Brianza, described the incident as “a disaster” with “immense, incalculable damage.” The community is now grappling with the aftermath of the fire, which has not only destroyed a historical site but also the memories and artifacts that contributed to its rich heritage.

As investigations continue, the plight of the nuns and the extensive loss faced by the monastery have drawn widespread attention, highlighting the importance of both the structure and its significance in the local community. The future of the Bernaga Monastery remains uncertain as efforts to assess the damage and determine the next steps begin.