Did you know that the Chiesa parrocchiale di San Marziano in Milan has a history stretching back centuries? This unassuming church stands as a silent witness to the passage of time. Its construction in 1643 incorporated parts of an older structure. That’s a testament to the enduring faith of the community.
The Chiesa parrocchiale di San Marziano is dedicated to Saint Marziano. He was the first bishop of Tortona. He was martyred in 122 AD during the persecutions under Emperor Hadrian. The veneration of Saint Marziano was brought to Sesto Ulteriano by the canons of the Basilica of the Apostles in Milan. They held the privilege of electing the curator of the church in Sesto. This suggests that the Milanese chapter played a key role in the church’s founding. They consistently appointed the rector of the San Marziano patronage. The church’s patron saint remained the same for hundreds of years.
The parish of Sesto Ulteriano was established in 1597. The area including Cologno and surrounding farms became part of it. This newly formed parish initially included 381 communicants. This number later dropped to 360 by 1644. It’s interesting to note the population fluctuations of the time. These numbers reflected the changing economic and social realities of the area.
The present Chiesa parrocchiale di San Marziano wasn’t built from scratch. It retained some elements of the earlier church. You can tell this from comparing the old and new building plans. The church might not boast grand works of art. However it does possess a lovely painting of Saint Marziano. There is also an altarpiece and a fine painting of Saint Charles. A lesser painting of Saint Eurosia dates from the 18th century. Among the sacred furnishings a wooden Madonna and a gilded silver reliquary stand out. These objects represent the devotion that has shaped this place for generations. They hint at the artistic styles that were popular in centuries past. The simple yet dignified structure of the Chiesa parrocchiale di San Marziano speaks volumes. It tells the story of continuous worship. It reflects the resilient spirit of a community. And it pays homage to the faith of Saint Marziano. The church continues to serve as a spiritual anchor for the community. It’s a place where history and faith intertwine. It’s a place to pause and reflect on the past.