“A place of quiet and serenity”. That is the feeling that washes over you as you stand before the Santuario della Beata Vergine Maria. Here, in the heart of Milan, you can escape the bustling cityscape and step into a haven of peace.
The Santuario was built in the 15th century, and its history is intertwined with the lives of many dedicated religious figures. It was once a small, humble church, tucked away in a quieter corner of the city. A Franciscan Nun, Sister Isabella Chiara Fornari, from Todi, brought an image of a young Mary, lovingly called Maria Bambina, to Milan in 1738. It travelled from one religious institute to another before landing in the hands of Father Luigi Bosisio, the Parish Priest of San Marco. In 1842, Father Bosisio handed the image to the community of Sisters of Charity, who served at the Ciceri Hospital.
The image of Maria Bambina has its own captivating story. The Sisters of Charity brought the image with them to their new Generalate in Via Santa Sofia in 1876. It is said that in 1884, a young postulant, Giulia Macario, was miraculously cured of a serious illness after kissing the image. This miraculous event sparked a surge of devotion among the public, and pilgrims flocked to the small church.
The Santuario was destroyed during the air raid of August 1943. Luckily, Maria Bambina was safely taken away to Maggianico di Lecco. An architect named Giovanni Muzio designed a new Santuario, and it was consecrated by Cardinal Ildefonso Schuster in 1953. The Santuario stands on a plot of land next to the old one, a testament to the undying devotion of the people of Milan to Maria Bambina.
The interior of the Santuario is full of beautiful artwork. The apse fillet-in-mosaic, above the niche where Maria Bambina is placed, tells the story of the universal mediation and regality of the Mother of God. The stained-glass windows narrate the Blessed Virgin Mary’s life, highlighting the theme of Mary as the temple of Jesus. The pervading whiteness of stucco-work and marble in the Santuario suggests that the space is a cradle-shrine, a celebration of the birth of Mary and a testament to her grace. On one side of the Santuario, a portal leads through from a small cloister. This portal is beautifully decorated with figures and symbols that represent the prefiguration of Mary in the Old Testament. The altar-pieces in the side chapels depict Mary’s participation in the sacrifice of her son and her Assumption into Heaven.
The Santuario della Beata Vergine Maria stands as a beacon of faith in the heart of Milan. It is a place where people can find peace, solace, and a connection with something greater than themselves. The Santuario is a reminder that even amidst the hustle and bustle of modern life, there is always room for faith and wonder. And so, as you stand before the Santuario, take a moment to reflect on its history, its beauty, and the stories it holds.