Nestled in the charming town of Desio, Italy, the Crocifisso Sanctuary, known locally as Santuario del Santo Crocifisso, stands as a testament to faith, history, and architectural splendor. This neo-Gothic marvel, located on Via Lampugnani 39, has been a focal point of religious devotion and community pride for over a century.
The present-day Crocifisso Sanctuary was designed by the engineer Spirito Maria Chiappetta and was consecrated on July 26, 1913, by Cardinal Andrea Ferrari, the Archbishop of Milan. The sanctuary's neo-Gothic style is immediately striking, with its intricate facade and towering structure. The exterior, characterized by its brick and stone detailing, exudes a sense of timeless elegance and solemnity.
Inside, visitors are greeted by the grandeur of the high altar, crafted from polychrome marble in a flourishing neo-Gothic style. This altar houses the revered simulacrum of Our Lord on the Cross, dating back to the late 16th century. This crucifix has been a focal point of veneration, particularly after being crowned by Cardinal Ildefonso Schuster in 1948 as a gesture of gratitude from the people of Desio for the protection they received during wartime bombings.
The Crocifisso Sanctuary is not just a place of worship but also a treasure trove of artistic and historical artifacts. Among its notable pieces is an academic copy from the 19th century of Andrea Mantegna's polyptych of Saint Andrew. Additionally, the sanctuary houses a 17th-century oil painting depicting Saint Bartholomew the Apostle, donated in 1941 in memory of Don Paolo Rigamonti, a chaplain at the local hospital.
Another remarkable artwork is the Ecce Homo, a late 17th-century piece in the Caravaggesque style. The sanctuary’s apse is adorned with paintings by contemporary artist Alberto Bogani from Como, depicting the seven sacraments. Bogani also created the depictions of the Madonna and Saint Joseph at the ends of the two side aisles.
The sanctuary's two side altars, located at the ends of the central transept, are dedicated to Our Lady of Mount Carmel and Saint Francis of Assisi, respectively. Numerous relics and votive offerings, donated in gratitude for various blessings, are also preserved within the sanctuary, adding to its spiritual and historical significance.
The slender bell tower of the Crocifisso Sanctuary, reaching approximately 30 meters at the top of its copper spire, is a notable feature. The bell tower houses five bells, donated by the Sala family of grocers, tuned to a flat A. These bells, cast in 1948 by the Carlo Ottolina foundry in Seregno, replaced three earlier bells from 1936, which were sacrificed to save the more famous bells of the basilica from wartime requisition.
The history of the Crocifisso Sanctuary is deeply intertwined with that of the old oratory of San Bartolomeo, which originally occupied the site. Mentioned as early as the 13th century by Goffredo da Bussero in the Liber Notitiae Sanctorum Mediolani, the oratory was described in detail in 1567 by Father Lionetto da Clivone. The original building was a modest, square structure with a simple dirt floor and cracked walls.
The oratory experienced significant changes over the centuries, including major restoration efforts between 1567 and 1596, the addition of a choir space behind the altar, and the presence of the holy crucifix by 1596. In 1680, further expansion work was undertaken, and in 1850, a side chapel dedicated to the Madonna and a new marble high altar designed by engineer Villoresi were added.
By the early 20th century, the oratory had become insufficient for the growing population, leading to the construction of the current sanctuary in 1912.
The Crocifisso Sanctuary has long been a center of religious festivities and traditions. Originally, the sanctuary's feast was celebrated on May 11, commemorating a miraculous rain that followed a procession with the crucifix during a drought in 1817. From 1820, a three-day celebration was held from May 9 to 11. The feast was later moved to the fourth Sunday of October, evolving into a sort of harvest thanksgiving celebration, complete with a highly anticipated lottery where the main prize was traditionally a piglet.
In 1925, Pope Pius XI instituted the liturgical solemnity of Our Lord Jesus Christ, King of the Universe, on the fourth Sunday of October. Consequently, the sanctuary's feast was aligned with this liturgical celebration. Following recent liturgical and calendar reforms, the solemnity of Christ the King is now observed on the last Sunday of the liturgical year, which falls between November 5 and 11, and the sanctuary's feast is celebrated on that Sunday.
In conclusion, the Crocifisso Sanctuary in Desio is a place where faith, history, and art converge. Its neo-Gothic architecture, rich artistic heritage, and deep-rooted traditions make it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring the spiritual and cultural landscape of Italy.
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