Beneath its brick facade, what stories does the Chiesa parrocchiale di San Gaetano hold? This modern church stands on Via Mac Mahon in the Ghisolfa area of Milan. It’s part of the Cagnola Deanery. The Chiesa parrocchiale di San Gaetano is dedicated to Saint Gaetano Thiene. He was the co-founder of the Theatines. Pope Clement X declared him a saint in 1671. He is also known as the Saint of Providence.
Construction of the Chiesa parrocchiale di San Gaetano had a difficult beginning. Giuseppe Martinenghi designed it in 1928. The first stone was laid on May 1st, 1940. But war soon interrupted the building. Work only restarted in 1954. In 1955, the Archbishop of Milan, Montini, made it a parish. Montini later became Pope Paul VI. The church’s ceiling collapsed in 1976. It had to be completely rebuilt. Further improvements were made in 1981.
Look at the church’s unique facade. It features exposed red bricks. Two travertine columns stand tall. Sculptor Eros Pellini created three stone bas-reliefs. These depict scenes from the life of Saint Luigi Guanella.
Inside the Chiesa parrocchiale di San Gaetano, notice the majestic space. Three naves stretch out before you. Concrete columns reach 14 meters high. Eight large statues stand on a perimeter cornice. Pellini also sculpted these. They represent various saints.
The Servi della Carità of San Luigi Guanella order manages the church. The Chiesa parrocchiale di San Gaetano became a parish on October 13th, 1955. Archbishop G. B. Montini decreed it. It separated from the S. Cuore alla Cagnola parish. The religious order already helped local children in need. They worked at the adjacent Istituto San Gaetano.
The Chiesa parrocchiale di San Gaetano’s mission involves nurturing Christian awareness. This is achieved through engagement with the Word and Sacraments. Today, the parish reflects a diverse community. Some residents have deep roots. Others are newcomers with weaker ties to the church. Many elderly people live alone. Some neighborhoods face issues with troubled youth. Also some families do not have secure circumstances.
The parish tries to help with these problems. It offers support through charities. These include Caritas, the Centro di Ascolto, and the San Vincenzo Conference. Generous volunteers also offer quiet and constant help.
Next to the Chiesa parrocchiale di San Gaetano is the Oratorio. It provides ample space for groups. These include the “Veritas et virtus semper” Cultural Center. There is also a sports group. And the Corale San Gaetano choir.
Cardinal Montini visited San Gaetano on January 26th, 1957. He gave a sermon about the meaning of the parish. He described it as a meeting point with God. He said it was also a place to meet the Church and our brothers. Montini emphasized the importance of community. He urged parishioners to be active and prayerful. He said the parish is key to spiritual life.