Is there anything more serene than a sleeping child? As you stand before the Chiesa di Maria Santissima Bambina, you’re invited to ponder the mystery of Mary’s infancy. This church, dedicated to the infant Mary, rests quietly within the bustling heart of Milan. Unlike many grand cathedrals, the Chiesa di Maria Santissima Bambina is tucked away, accessed through the courtyard of the Sisters of Charity. This somewhat hidden entrance adds to its mystique, inviting you into a place of peace and reflection.
The Chiesa di Maria Santissima Bambina holds a fascinating history. The heart of the sanctuary is a statue of baby Mary, crafted by a Franciscan nun, Sister Isabella Chiara Fornari. This statue, after a journey through various Milanese religious institutions, was entrusted to the Sisters of Charity in 1842. The statue gained a reputation for miraculous healing in 1884 when a young novice, Giulia Macario, was miraculously cured after kissing it. This event led to the creation of the first sanctuary in 1888, a place for the growing number of devotees who flocked to see the statue.
Sadly, this sanctuary was destroyed during World War II but thankfully, the statue of Maria Bambina was safely hidden away. After the war, a new sanctuary, the one we stand before today, was designed by Giovanni Muzio and consecrated in 1953. It stands as a testament to the enduring faith and devotion to Maria Bambina. As you leave the Chiesa di Maria Santissima Bambina, take a moment to appreciate the tranquility of this sacred space in the midst of a vibrant city.