Terrible Tragedy at an Italian Convent.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 2540, 10 October 1890, Page 2

Terrible Tragedy at an Italian Convent.

The Rome correspondent of the " Standard" states that a horrible murder has been committed near Narni, m Unibria. About twelve miles from the city of Narni, on the side of a mountain, is an ancient convent, called Lo Speco. It was m the woods nea? it that St. Francis of Assissi used sometimes to wander a,bout m contemplation. The convent, however, was only inhabited by five friars, who were much respected by the people m Narni for the great good which they were always doing. On Sunday morning two of them went off to celebrate mass m a village near by, it being the feast of St Lawrence. The other three, towards twelve o'clock, went as usual to their dinner m the refectory. Whilst; they were eating they were surprised by four individuals with their faces masked, and armed with long knives and sticks, with which they attacked the poor friars. A terrible fight ensued, with the result, that one of the friars was beaten to death, another was killed by having his throat cut, and the third was stabbed. A boy of fifteen yeai's of age, who also lived m the .convent, ran down to the cellar to hide, but he was followed and beaten to death. The sight that presented itself to the other two friars on their return m the evening was a dreadful one. No reason at all can be given for this atrocious crime, as the assassins did not steal anything from the convent or from the church-but it is thought that ; their intention was to though perhaps they were too liigjat^ned to do; soi'after having inurderedi j%e friars; The police are hunting all over tfye place, but have furt any of the assassins yet,