Benevolence is like a mother. These words from Saint Ambrose echo through the ages as we stand before the Chiesa parrocchiale di San Materno Vescovo. This church embodies the nurturing spirit of its namesake. San Materno, the seventh bishop of Milan, is not just a name. He is a symbol of devotion and care.
This church in Figino has a history stretching back to the late 14th century. Back then, it was a simple chapel. It was part of the parish of Trenno. The church’s story is one of destruction and rebirth. A fire in 1908 ravaged the original structure.
But from the ashes rose a new church. Don Enrico Locatelli designed it in 1911. He was an architect and the parish priest of Vergiate. Further architectural work between 1934 and 1935 doubled the building’s size. The campanile was completed.
Look at the facade. Enrico Pellegrini designed it and it was finished in 1937. It reflects the interior’s three naves. Notice the round arch framing the central portal. Above, a mosaic medallion depicts San Materno. G. Castaman created it from a design by Luigi Migliavacca. Statues of Saint Paul and Saint Peter flank the portal. Two smaller portals sit on either side of the main entrance each topped with polychrome glass rose windows. Above the central architrave, the inscription DIVO MATERNO stands out. Above that is a decoration supporting a cross. Angelic trumpeters stand on either side.
Inside the Chiesa parrocchiale di San Materno Vescovo, three naves lead to the presbytery and apse. The side naves end at the transept. Here are the entrances to the sacristy and service rooms. The sacristy also serves as the base of the bell tower.
Arturo Galli created the interior paintings in 1943. Remarkably, the church houses a 18th-century organ. It survived the devastating fire of 1908. San Materno himself lived in the 4th century.
He was the seventh bishop of Milan. He is celebrated for returning freedom to the Church. He brought the relics of martyrs Nabore and Felice to Milan with great honor. Tradition holds that San Materno’s episcopate lasted twelve years. His death is commemorated on July 18th.
The people of Figino hold this church dear. It is the heart of their faith. It was the ancient parish church founded in the 9th century. They placed it under the protection of San Materno. Remember San Materno, the bishop whose benevolence shaped this sacred place.