What if the walls of San Giovanni Crisostomo could talk? They would tell tales of faith, community and architectural vision. San Giovanni Crisostomo stands before us. It is more than just a building. It’s a testament to the enduring spirit of Milan.
Let’s step back in time to 1961. Archbishop Giovanni Battista Montini founded this parish. He entrusted it to Don Enrico Molteni. Montini later became Pope Paul VI. His vision shaped this community. The need for a new place of worship grew. A temporary church served the community. But a grander vision was taking shape.
In 1965, the first stone was laid. Cardinal Giovanni Colombo officiated the ceremony. The architects Giampaolo Bettoni and Giuseppe Calcagni designed the church. Their modern design replaced the temporary structure. Only a year later, in 1966, the new church was blessed. Monsignor Milani celebrated the first Mass.
The architectural style is unique. The church has a polygonal shape. A portico surrounds the facade and right side. The facade is made of exposed brick. It features two levels of roofing. The first covers the portico. It also covers the polygonal body on the left side. The second covers the central nave.
Inside, the church features a single hall. Transverse arches made of cement support the structure. Light streams in from a circular lantern. This lantern sits above the altar. Narrow vertical windows line the walls. They sit between the ribs that support the roof. These windows are a defining element of the interior.
Behind the altar are five cement panels. They conceal the choir and organ. These panels echo the motifs of the windows and arches. Liliana Nocera created the altar’s frontal. It depicts the theme of sacrifice. She also sculpted the bronze statue of the Madonna of the Apocalypse. A large crucifix hangs above the altar. Potenza di Vicenza created this crucifix. It is made of iron and Murano blue glass.
To the left of the entrance is a chapel. It was once a baptistery. Now, it is dedicated to the adoration of the Blessed Sacrament. Beyond this is a small area. It is dedicated to the baptismal font. A wrought iron gate leads to the Chapel of the Serpero Spouses. Anita and Filippo Serpero were benefactors of the church. Here, you’ll find two confessionals.
In the chapel on the right stands a monolithic altar. It is accompanied by a tabernacle. A stylized blue cloud surrounds it. This is the weekday chapel. In 2014, the roof underwent restoration. In 2016, a project proposed a new cross. This cross would sit atop the parish church’s roof. San Giovanni Crisostomo continues to evolve. It adapts to the needs of its community. It remains a beacon of faith in Milan.