On the wall in VILLA PAPARELLI is a fresco of Santa Lucia. I know this because she is depicted holding a plate displaying her eyes, reputed to have been torn out, however I gather they were later miraculously restored, and I am glad. Today a friend mentioned she was the Patron Saint of Earthquakes. I am not sure this to be true and if she has been called upon, but I do know her feast day, celebrated on the shortest day of the year, has become the festival of light. In certain parts of the world the youngest daughter, dressed in white, wakes the rest of the family with coffee, rolls and a special song. The coffee I hope has reached L'Aquila. To send more supplies please contact the RED CROSS.
