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Italy quake survivors mark Easter Italy quake survivors mark Easter
(40 minutes later)
Hundred of people made homeless by Monday's earthquake in the Italian city of L'Aquila have attended Easter Mass.Hundred of people made homeless by Monday's earthquake in the Italian city of L'Aquila have attended Easter Mass.
Survivors used a makeshift altar in a giant tent. Similar services are being held in many surrounding villages.Survivors used a makeshift altar in a giant tent. Similar services are being held in many surrounding villages.
Some 20,000 people are living in camps in the Abruzzo region, where Monday's quake killed at least 293 people.Some 20,000 people are living in camps in the Abruzzo region, where Monday's quake killed at least 293 people.
The Pope is celebrating Easter Mass and is due to refer to the quake. He will deliver his main "Urbi et Orbi" (To the city and the world) blessing later.The Pope is celebrating Easter Mass and is due to refer to the quake. He will deliver his main "Urbi et Orbi" (To the city and the world) blessing later.
Benedict XVI offered a special prayer for quake survivors at Saturday's Easter eve service in St Peter's Basilica, the Vatican.Benedict XVI offered a special prayer for quake survivors at Saturday's Easter eve service in St Peter's Basilica, the Vatican.
'It will help me' Conquering fear
Easter, the most important Church feast in the predominantly Roman Catholic country, will be celebrated at makeshift chapels, some inside plastic tents. Easter, the most important Church feast in the predominantly Roman Catholic country, is being celebrated at makeshift venues in the quake area.
Everybody prays... and yet Jesus Christ sends us an earthquake Francesco Pagani, survivor Pope leads Easter celebrations In pictures: Easter worldwide Everybody prays... and yet Jesus Christ sends us an earthquake Francesco Pagani, survivor Pope leads Easter celebrations In pictures: Easter worldwide
Survivor Giovanni Diletti, 47, told AFP news agency: "It's a really different Easter after what happened. Usually I'm with my friends, but here I'm surrounded by tents."
Local Archbishop Giuseppe Molinari, who celebrated Mass in a makeshift venue north of L'Aquila, said in his homily: "I was afraid, I suffered like you. We're here to conquer that fear."
Many churches were ruined or damaged by the quake or are in areas cordoned off by the security forces as a precaution.Many churches were ruined or damaged by the quake or are in areas cordoned off by the security forces as a precaution.
Carmelina Ciocca, 77, had tears in her eyes.
"I always used to go to church, and tomorrow I'll do the same," she said.
"It will help me feel a bit better after all this devastation."
On Saturday, some believers went to traditional Easter eve confession in an inflatable tent fitted with an altar and a crucifix.
Brother Simon, a Franciscan monk, went from tent to tent giving communion to those too infirm to attend services and hearing confessions
"Amid all the suffering, there's also a discovery of the most essential value for some people," the brown-robed monk told AFP news agency, chalice in hand.
Churches like the Collemaggio Cathedral have been destroyed
"But there are other people who are still too scared, still in shock."
Some found little comfort in religion.Some found little comfort in religion.
"Now the professionals of prayer are praying, saying Mass," said Francesco Pagani, an elderly survivor sitting in one of the emergency camps."Now the professionals of prayer are praying, saying Mass," said Francesco Pagani, an elderly survivor sitting in one of the emergency camps.
"Everybody prays... and yet Jesus Christ sends us an earthquake.""Everybody prays... and yet Jesus Christ sends us an earthquake."
Months of uncertaintyMonths of uncertainty
The local chief prosecutor has set up an inquiry to see if there is any criminal blame for the number of collapsed buildings.The local chief prosecutor has set up an inquiry to see if there is any criminal blame for the number of collapsed buildings.
Some rescuers have spoken of the ease with which they sawed through concrete blocks and the investigation will look at whether the correct mix of sand and concrete was used in their construction.Some rescuers have spoken of the ease with which they sawed through concrete blocks and the investigation will look at whether the correct mix of sand and concrete was used in their construction.
One estimate values the earthquake damage at up to 3bn euros ($4bn) but impact on Italy's economy, already hit by recession, is expected to be limited, Reuters reports. The eggs were distributed by volunteers and members of the Vatican fire brigade
Easter eggs have been given to survivors One estimate values the earthquake damage at up to 3bn euros ($4bn) but the impact on Italy's economy, already hit by recession, is expected to be limited, Reuters news agency reports.
About 40,000 people are homeless of whom some 15,000 have found shelter in hotels or private homes.About 40,000 people are homeless of whom some 15,000 have found shelter in hotels or private homes.
Residents have been pleading with security forces at roadblocks to let them recover personal effects from their abandoned houses.
"I just want to get some clothes, I've been wearing this tracksuit for five days now," said Melina Giandomenico, who used to live in a central street in L'Aquila where three more bodies were unearthed on Saturday.
The authorities have said it could be weeks, if not months, before it is known which of the houses left standing are safe enough to be repaired and which will have to be demolished.The authorities have said it could be weeks, if not months, before it is known which of the houses left standing are safe enough to be repaired and which will have to be demolished.
A couple interviewed by the Associated Press news agency could not see themselves leaving their tent camp in L'Aquila for at least six months.
"This would have seemed impossible before but it's the reality - life has to go on," said Giovanni Fasano, a private security guard, sharing a blue tent with his wife and four relatives, their dog tied up outside.
His wife, Monia Tobia, said she did not expect to live in a real home again for three years and hoped her husband could find a job elsewhere in Italy.
Life in the tent camp was not easy, she added. There are showers but no hot water or hair dryers.
"I haven't washed my hair since two days before the earthquake," she said, running her fingers through her greasy brown hair.