Doesn’t it seem impossible that a lightning strike could bring good fortune? That’s just one chapter in the captivating history of the Chiesa Isituto Cottolengo here in Milan. This church and institution stand as a testament to faith charity and the unexpected ways divine providence can manifest.
The Chiesa Isituto Cottolengo has a rich history. Its origins trace back to Don Orione’s vision. He sought to create a place that welcomed all those in need. No matter their background or beliefs the doors would always be open.
Let’s step back to October 1931. Don Benedetto Galbiati reached out to Don Orione. He saw an opportunity to establish a branch of Don Orione’s Little Opera in Milan. The Carmelite Sisters were willing to cede their old headquarters in Piazza Tripoli. Ernestina Larrea advanced Don Orione the money needed to purchase Villa Restocco. This villa became the cradle of the Piccolo Cottolengo of Don Orione in Milan.
Before opening the Piccolo Cottolengo Don Orione sought approval from Cardinal Ildefonso Schuster. He explained his program. The Piccolo Cottolengo would always be open to any kind of moral and material misery. It would welcome those who could not be accommodated elsewhere. These people would need assistance and help and be truly abandoned. The institution would welcome people from all backgrounds and religions. Don Orione told the Cardinal that he would dedicate the church to St Benedict Abbot.
On November 4 1933 Don Orione sent his vicar Don Sterpi to Milan. He inaugurated the Piccolo Cottolengo. The first four Sisters arrived. Sister Maria Croce was their Superior. They were to assist the sick. They took possession of the old convent. The Carmelites had abandoned it because it was isolated.
Rosa Gamella was the first person assisted. Don Orione himself accepted her. She was mute due to progressive paralysis. Don Orione’s letter asked that she be received with every charity.
Now let’s talk about the lightning strike. In June 1934 a storm broke out. A grand cedar tree in the courtyard was struck by lightning. It terrified everyone. A Polish Sister Maria Paternoster saw the tree fall. She ran into the church shouting. The fallen tree became a symbol.
The Corriere della Sera published an article. It was titled “A Lightning Contributes to the Fortune of an Institute”. The lightning strike proved providential.
Don Orione first visited the Piccolo Cottolengo on December 15 1933. He visited again on July 7 1934. Looking at the cedar he remarked that the lightning was a call from heaven. He threw medals of the Madonna on the surrounding fields.
Cardinal Schuster visited on February 29 1936. He wrote to Don Orione praising the development of his Milanese work. It was growing with the visible protection of God’s Providence.
The Chiesa Isituto Cottolengo embodies Don Orione’s vision. It is a place where the poor are masters. It’s a place where faith hope and charity intertwine. The story of the Chiesa Isituto Cottolengo is not just about a building. It is a testament to the power of compassion. It highlights the strength of the human spirit. It also shows the unexpected ways that faith and charity can shape a community.