“Why is it called the Good Shepherd?” That’s the question many ask when first encountering the Chiesa parrocchiale del Buon Pastore. I am glad to tell you more about the Chiesa parrocchiale del Buon Pastore.
The Chiesa parrocchiale del Buon Pastore has a rich history. Its church was consecrated 60 years ago. The event took place on June 20 1964. Construction finished two years earlier. Celebrations began at Christmas 1962.
Cardinal Giovanni Battista Montini, Archbishop of Milan, made a crucial decision. Giancarlo Paganini and Ezio Pino reconstructed the church’s history for an exhibition. This was commissioned by the Pastoral Council. It was a testament to the dedication surrounding the Chiesa parrocchiale del Buon Pastore.
The Comunità pastorale Gesù Buon Pastore includes the Parrocchie di Santa Maria del Buon Consiglio and Santi Giovanni e Paolo. It serves around 18000 residents in Milan’s Bovisa district. Established in September 2014 locals chose its name.
The Archdiocese of Milan is among the world’s most significant. It spans 4234 square kilometers. It includes the provinces of Milan, Varese, Lecco and Monza-Brianza. It also covers parts of Como, Bergamo and Pavia. Over 5 million people reside here. The archdiocese has over 1100 parishes in 73 deaneries. These are organized into seven pastoral zones. Pastoral Units facilitate communion. They encourage knowledge sharing between neighboring parishes.
Cardinal Arcivescovo Dionigi Tettamanzi defined the Comunità Pastorale in 2006. It is a form of pastoral unity among parishes. They share a coordinated path of communion. This happens through a concrete missionary project.
The Comunità Pastorale features a unified pastoral approach. A group entrusted with pastoral care leads it. This group can include presbyters, deacons and nuns. The Responsabile is its center of unity. The Pastoral Council develops a shared pastoral project.
This project involves announcing the Word. It includes liturgy, prayer and charitable service. It addresses specific contexts. These contexts are youth ministry and care for the sick. It also animates Christian life in cultural and social spheres.
Don Renato Bacchetta’s appointment as parish priest led to the formation of the Comunità Pastorale “Gesù Buon Pastore” in 2014. It comprises the parishes of S. Maria del buon consiglio and Santi Giovanni e Paolo.
The name “Gesù Buon Pastore” carries deep meaning. Every baptized Christian should be a “good shepherd”. This applies to their environment. Marital relationships should mirror the Good Shepherd’s example. This ensures family life is always rich in values. Similarly, Christians should strive to be “good shepherds” in schools and workplaces. This also applies to leisure places, hospitals and places of suffering.
The world needs committed witnesses. Gesù Buon Pastore inspires us. It helps each of us to embody the Church according to His heart. That’s why the Chiesa parrocchiale del Buon Pastore is so important to its community.