Perhaps you’ve noticed the simple yet profound architecture before you. This is the Chiesa di San Leonardo Murialdo. It stands as a testament to faith and community in Milan’s Giambellino district. Its story is one of transformation and dedication.
Initially dedicated to San Sebastiano in 1940, the parish we see now began as part of San Vito al Giambellino. Cardinal Schuster decreed its separation. In 1955, Giovanni Battista Montini renamed it Cuore Immacolato di Maria in San Sebastiano al Lorenteggio. The church’s evolution reflects the changing needs and spiritual focus of its community.
Entrusted to the Congregation of San Giuseppe, a temporary church served the faithful from 1941. Ugo Zanchetta designed the current structure. Its construction concluded in 1955. The consecration occurred in 1960 marking a new chapter for the Chiesa di San Leonardo Murialdo.
This church played a pivotal role in Lorenteggio’s education. In 1944, it founded the Murialdo elementary school. A professional training school was added ten years later. In 1959, the parish took over the management of the Devota Maculan school, now a high school. Tragedy struck this school in 1951 when a wall collapsed, claiming fourteen young lives. A monument nearby commemorates this loss.
In 1986, Carlo Maria Martini dedicated the church to San Leonardo Murialdo. This solidified its identity. Between 1999 and 2009, extensive renovations reshaped the Chiesa di San Leonardo Murialdo. The facade and churchyard were rebuilt. The interior was updated to align with the liturgical reforms of the Second Vatican Council.
The Chiesa di San Leonardo Murialdo’s design features a reinforced concrete structure. It faces southwest to northeast. Inside, a main nave is flanked by two side aisles. These aisles house various chapels. The presbytery is elevated.
Beyond the church itself lies the Oratorio Murialdo. Its historic sports club, Murialdina, has been a vital gathering place for the neighborhood for years. Supported by the Milan Foundation and the Vodafone Foundation, it boasts a multisport gym called PalaMurialdo.
The Chiesa di San Leonardo Murialdo embodies community spirit. It honors San Leonardo Murialdo who was born in Turin in 1828 and died in 1900. He dedicated his life to young people and workers. He founded the Congregation of San Giuseppe. Pope Paul VI canonized him in 1970. The church serves as a lasting tribute to his work.