Seven weeks after after a 6.3 magnitude earthquake hit the medieval city of L'Aquila, leading to the deaths of 300 people and making tens of thousands homeless, Caritas is in the second phase of its recovery programme.

Caritas organisations from various Italian dioceses have sent delegations to L'Aquila and these have been "twinned" with neighbourhoods in the city.

Around 1,400 volunteers are involved

Groups from regional Italian Caritas will be "twinned" with eight quake-affected communities in and around the medieval town. The collaboration aims to provide long-term practical and psychological support to communities trying to rebuild their homes and lives.

Meanwhile, Caritas member organisations from around the world have offered their solidarity to the earthquake victims.

"We'd like to thank the dozens of