Wednesday 8 July National Day of Prayer, Reflection and Thanksgiving in Montserrat

The provided text describes the history and significance of the National Day of Prayer, Reflection and Thanksgiving in Montserrat, which commemorates the island’s resilience following catastrophic volcanic activity. Starting in 1995, the Soufrière Hills Volcano began a series of eruptions that eventually destroyed the capital city of Plymouth and the island's primary airport. Because of this devastation, Plymouth remains the only abandoned capital in the world with no residents, while administrative functions have shifted to Brades. This annual observance serves as a time for the community to honor those lost and express gratitude for the nation's survival. The source also contextualizes this history within a broader news digest from July 2026, highlighting how the event remains a cornerstone of the island's cultural identity.