Chiesa di San Francesco di Sales

Did St. Francis de Sales ever imagine his pilgrimage to Milan would lead to a church in his name? Here we stand before the Chiesa di San Francesco di Sales, a modern structure that echoes a moment of profound devotion from centuries past. The Chiesa di San Francesco di Sales, as we see it today, wasn’t here during St. Francis de Sales’s visit. It was built between 1968 and 1970, a testament to the enduring legacy of the saint. In 1613, St. Francis de Sales, deeply venerating St. Charles Borromeo, journeyed from Annecy to Milan. His pilgrimage was a testament to his admiration for St. Charles, his model bishop. He celebrated mass in the Duomo’s crypt before St. Charles’s tomb, his fervor inspiring all present. He also conferred with Cardinal Federico Borromeo, St. Charles’s cousin and successor. The Chiesa di San Francesco di Sales we see today sits on Via della Commenda, the same street where St. Francis de Sales stayed with the Barnabite Fathers. This modern church, with its sleek, rationalist design by Vittorio Gandolfi, stands as a quiet tribute. Inside, you’ll find works by Genesio Fumagalli, Carlo Paganini, Romano Rui, and Eros Pellini. Their art adds another layer to the church’s story. The Chiesa di San Francesco di Sales represents a unique blend of history and modernity. It’s a place where a centuries-old pilgrimage intersects with contemporary architectural design, a reminder of the enduring power of faith and inspiration.