“A brick for a prayer” echoes in my mind. This is the story of Convento di Santa Rita in Milan. It wasn’t born from miracles or noble vows. Instead, it arose from the Agostinians’ deep desire to return to Milan. Milan cradled their order.
Let’s step back. Saint Augustine himself was baptized here by Saint Ambrogio in 387. Blessed Lanfranco Settala also called Milan home. He governed the new Order of the Hermits of Saint Augustine. Pope Alexander IV formed this order. He united various congregations following Saint Augustine’s rule in 1256.
The Agostinians had a history in Milan. They possessed the convent and Church of S. Marco from 1230. By 1445, they founded the convent and Church of the Incoronata. In 1500, they took possession of the Church of Consolation. However, suppression in 1782 forced them out of Milan for nearly two centuries.
Fast forward to December 17, 1939. Blessed Alfredo Ildefonso Cardinal Schuster, Milan’s archbishop, blessed the first stone of the Santuario S. Rita. Construction began in spring 1940. They started building a wing of the convent. The foundations of the Santuario were also laid. Amidst the war in 1941, the first Agostinian religious community formed. Father Angelo Beltramelli became its first prior.
Father Umberto Musitelli, Provincial of the Ligurian-Lombard Province, spearheaded the Agostinians’ return. His province included convents in Pavia, Genoa, Savona, Celle Ligure, and Loano. He faced every difficulty with unwavering faith in Divine Providence. He hoped against hope.
Father Umberto also launched the Bollettino S. Rita da Cascia. This newsletter connected devotees of the Saint. It also raised funds for the Santuario. His slogan was “cuna lira per un mattone” One lira for a brick. He yearned to reclaim one of the three ancient convents. But things unfolded differently.
The Santuario’s design came from Giuseppe Invitti. It stands majestically in its basilica form. The covered area spans 1,800 square meters. Its Latin cross plan features three naves. These measure 28 meters in width. The church reaches 32 meters externally and 25 meters internally. Decoration and furnishing took just over ten years.
The facade finished in 1956. It features a grand central arch. Ceppo bergamasco stone and brick adorn it. Mosaics by G.B. Salerno embellish the lunettes above the entrance portals. The bronze door, sculpted by Agostinian Father Stefano Pigini, is named “Il Portone della vita”. It depicts Saint Rita’s life before the monastery. This includes her engagement, marriage, family life, and domestic work.
Inside, mosaics abound. The S.Sgorlon firm created them from Belgian Agostinian Father Leo Coppens’ designs between 1960 and 1965. They illustrate evangelical scenes. These include Jesus the Good Shepherd, the Wedding at Cana, the Road to Emmaus, and the Annunciation. Six mosaics depict the life of Saint Rita.
The crypt, a small jewel, opened in the late 1970s. Here, the Insigne Relic of Saint Rita is displayed. The new altar was consecrated on May 2, 2000. The presbytery was also inaugurated. The painting of Saint Rita was moved. A large bronze crucifix by Marco Melzi now dominates. The floor is made of pink Portuguese marble. The old main altar was removed. Access stairs to the tabernacle were added. It rests on an octagonal pedestal.
Convento di Santa Rita stands as a testament to faith, perseverance, and art.