Church of St. Edward, Busto Arsizio

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Church of Saint Edward
Parochial Church of Saint Edward, King and Confessor
Italian: Chiesa Parrocchiale di Sant'Edoardo Re e Confessore
Church of Sant'Edoardo.jpg
The church in 2025
Church of St. Edward, Busto Arsizio
Church of Saint Edward
Location Busto Arsizio, Lombardy
Country Italy
Denomination Roman Catholic
Tradition Ambrosian Rite
History
Founded24 June 1938
Founder(s) Don Ambrogio Gianotti, Edoardo Gabardi
Dedication Saint Edward
Dedicated1939
Consecrated 12 October 1939
Architecture
Architect(s) Giuseppe Polvara  [ it ], Giacomo Bettoli
Style Byzantine Revival and Romanesque Revival
Years built1938–1939 [a]
Specifications
Capacity2000 [1]
Length78 m (256 ft) [1]
Height29 m (95 ft) [b] [1]
Administration
DivisionNeighbourhood of Saint Edward
SubdivisionContrada dell'Anello [c]
Diocese Diocese of Milan
Parish Saint Edward
Clergy
Priests
  • Don Antonio Corvi
  • Don Giorgio Zordan
  • Don Gabriele Bof
Laity
Director of music
  • Luca Andena
[2]

The Church of Saint Edward (Italian : Chiesa di Sant'Edoardo) is a Roman Catholic church in Busto Arsizio, Italy. The church has served as parish church of the neighbourhood of Sant'Edoardo since 1947, and from 1951 to 1991, along with the Church of Santa Croce. Construction of the church began on 24 June 1938 and was consecrated by Cardinal Ildefonso Schuster on 12 October 1939. [3]

Contents

From the Church in 1945, the news that the North of Italy was now free from Fascist forces was sent by the Partigiani, including the priest of the church, Ambrogio Gianotti. A plaque was erected near the location where the news was announced. [4]

History

Cardinal Schuster consecrating the foundation stone of the church Cardinal Schuster consecrating the first stone of the Church of St. Edward.jpg
Cardinal Schuster consecrating the foundation stone of the church

In 1936, plans to construct a larger church for the Cascina Brughetto began, due to an increase in the population of the area. The previous church, dedicated to Sant’Eurosia, was demolished in 1954, 15 years after the Church of St. Edward opened, and two years after the Church of Santa Croce opened. The church's crypt was opened on 15 November 1938, and for nearly a year served as the church of Strà Brughetto. [5] The neighbourhood was constructed over one of the presumed sites of the Battle of Legnano, [6] and before the 1940s, was scarcely populated, with its residents living in Cascinas, predominantly owned by the Azzimonti, Brazzelli, Colombo, Crespi, Girola, Lualdi, Pellegatta, Tosi, and Tovaglieri families, whose descendants still reside in the neighbourhood today. [7]

The Church of Saint Eurosia Chiesa di Sant'Eurosia.jpg
The Church of Saint Eurosia

Construction of the church began on 24 June 1938 and was finished and consecrated on 12 October 1939 [d] by Cardinal Ildefonso Schuster. The church was primarily funded by Edoardo Gabardi, to whom the church was dedicated. [8]

Construction of the Facade, 1938 Construction of the Facade, 1938.jpg
Construction of the Façade, 1938

The church was designed by two architect-priests, Don Giuseppe Polvara  [ it ] and Don Giacomo Bettoli. [9] The architects took inspiration from the Basilica of Sant'Ambrogio and the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls. [10] The frescos were painted between 1943 and 1947 by Ernesto Bergagna, with additional frescos painted in 1985 by Giuseppe Magini.

The Church in 1939 The Church of St. Edward in 1939.jpg
The Church in 1939

In 1945, at the church, the order for the partigiani to liberate the area was sent from the church. The first priest, Don Ambrogio Gianotti, was a partigiano. [11] The church became the parish church for the neighbourhood in 1947.

The Oratorio on St. Edward's day, 2024 Oratorio of Saint Edward.jpg
The Oratorio on St. Edward's day, 2024

In 1972 the church acquired the paintings from the Church of Santa Croce, which was demolished that year. The church also has an Oratorio, dedicated to Giovanni Bosco. The oratorio was founded on 19 January 1947, by Don Silvio Gallazzi, who created the church's 'summer school' in the summer of 1946. It was replaced with the oratorio in 1947. [12] Currently, the oratorio is directed by Don Gabriele Bof. [13]

Plaque erected after the visit of the Archbishop of Milan, Giovanni Battista Montini. ChiesaSanEdoardo2.jpg
Plaque erected after the visit of the Archbishop of Milan, Giovanni Battista Montini.

On 11 March 1963, the church was briefly visited by the then Archbishop of Milan, Giovanni Battista Montini, who would be elected Pope a few months later. [14]

The church decorated for the patron saint day festival Chiesa di Sant'Edoardo.jpg
The church decorated for the patron saint day festival

The church celebrates its patron saint day on the second Sunday of October every year. [15]

The church's current priests are: Don Antonio Corvi, Don Giorgio Zordan and Don Gabriele Bof. [16] The church's nun is Suor. Laura Motta, who arrived in 2024. [15] The choir is directed by Luca Andena. [17]

The church's construction was officially finished in 2025, after they added a missing section of the floor by the organ. [17]

Architecture

The first proposed design of the church The first design for the Church of St. Edward.jpg
The first proposed design of the church
The second proposed design of the church Second design for the Church of St. Edward.jpg
The second proposed design of the church

Interior

The interior in 2025 The interior of the Church.jpg
The interior in 2025
Flagellazione by Ambrogio Bellotti, uncle of Biagio Bellotti, 1661. Once conserved in the Church of Santa Croce, now in Sant'Edoardo. Flagellazione by Ambrogio Bellotti.jpg
Flagellazione by Ambrogio Bellotti, uncle of Biagio Bellotti, 1661. Once conserved in the Church of Santa Croce, now in Sant’Edoardo.

The interior of the church is decorated with frescos, painted by Ernesto Bergagna and Giuseppe Magini. At the back of the altar there is a large mosaic, representing the trinity, made by the ‘Beato Angelico’ school. Various artworks present in the church came from the old Church of Santa Croce, demolished in 1972. [9]

The organ of the church of Saint Edward The organ of the church of Saint Edward.jpg
The organ of the church of Saint Edward

On the left side of the church, near the altar, there is the church's organ, donated by the church of Santa Maria di Piazza. The nave has four chapels, two on the left side, two on the right. Along with the main altar, there are two other altars on each side of the main altar. The church's organ has never been used, due to the fact that the floor surrounding it was missing until 2025, concluding the church's construction. [11]

Frescos

The Maranatha fresco Fresco of the Church.jpg
The Maranatha fresco

The frescos on the churches side walls were painted in 1985 by Giuseppe Magini. [18] There are 12 frescos on the walls. Magini chose these frescos to represent the prayer of the Profession of faith, [19] and they terminate on the church's main arch with the words ' Tu solo Signore hai parole di vita eterna (Only you Lord have the words of eternal life). [20] Each of the 12 frescos depicts a verse from the profession of faith prayer. The 12th fresco depicts Maranatha (מרנאתא‎). This was chosen to represent the community's unity and hope. [21] The frescoes are supposed to be read left to right, starting from the right side of the church.

Chapels

The nave has four chapels, two on the right, two on the left.

On the left side there is:

The chapel dedicated to Saint Edward Vista interna chiesa 5.JPG
The chapel dedicated to Saint Edward
  • A chapel dedicated to Saint Edward. This chapel was built fairly recently, with the statue of Saint Edward being sculpted in 1994.
Chapel dedicated to Saint Rita of Cascia Vista interna chiesa 1.JPG
Chapel dedicated to Saint Rita of Cascia
  • A chapel dedicated to Saint Rita of Cascia. The chapel was built in 1943 and the portrait of Saint Rita was painted by Bregagna. The chapel also has a black marble altar in front of the painting. It was restored in July 1989, in honour of the church's 50th anniversary. [22]

On the right side there is:

  • A chapel dedicated to Saint Teresa. This chapel is similar to the one dedicated to Saint Rita. It has a small black altar at the front, with a portrait of Saint Teresa in the back. This chapel was also built in 1943, by Bergagna and was also restored in July 1989. [22]
  • The tomb of Don Ambrogio Gianotti. This tomb was built in 1980, and Gianotti was officially interred there 11 years after his death, on the 12 April 1980, after being moved from the cemetery of Busto Arsizio. The tomb also features a portrait of Jesus Christ. [23]

Altars

The church, along with the main altar, has two smaller altars on each side of the main altar. The main altar is situated in the apse of the church and is covered with a Ciborium. On the sides of the ciborium there are a series of palm trees, which reference Palm Sunday, and the interior of the ciborium is decorated with mosaics. On top of the ciborium there are four statues, which depict the Tetramorph of the Four Evangelists. The ciborium is topped with a marble cross. [22]

On the left side there is:

  • The Altar dedicated to the Saints Ambrose, Charles Borromeo, and Galdino. This altar is decorated with frescos of the three saints, along with a fresco of Our Lady of Help painted by Bergagna between 1943 and 1947. The altar was consecrated in 1947. On the altar, there is the church's tabernacle. The tabernacle was made by the Beato Angelico school. [24]

On the right side there is:

  • The Altar dedicated to Madonna of the Rosary. This altar was constructed between 1943 and 1947, and consecrated in 1947. Behind the altar there is a large fresco depicting the Madonna holding the baby, Jesus. Around this fresco there are various pictograms. Each pictogram depicts a verse from the Ave Maria. This was all designed and executed by Bergagna. [25]

Apse

The Apse of the Church of St. Edward The Dome of the Church of St. Edward.jpg
The Apse of the Church of St. Edward

The Apse displays a mosaic, inspired by Byzantine architecture. It depicts four figures; Saint Edward, who holds a crown, and the Holy Mary. They face towards the trinity, which sit in a gold circle in the centre, between a dove, chosen by Bergagna to represent peace. On the mosaic, are inscribed the words: 'PATREM ET FILIUM ET SANCTUM SPIRITUM DICAMUS ET SUPEREXALTEMUS EUM IN SÆCULA' which translate to 'Let us praise the Father and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and exalt Him forever'. [26] The dome was constructed between 1959-1961, by Ernesto Bergagna. It was designed by Bergagna and the Beato Angelico school. [27]

Baptistery

The baptistery was constructed between 1940-1941 and decorated by Ernesto Bergagna between 1943-1947. [28] The baptistery has an octagonal shape and each side depicts a fresco of a biblical event associated with baptisms. In the center there is the baptismal font made of marble and a small altar. It is located to the left of the Chapel dedicated to Sant’Edoardo. [29]

Exterior

The Portico of the church in the late 1970s. It has since been renovated The Portico of Church of St. Edward in the late 1970s.jpg
The Portico of the church in the late 1970s. It has since been renovated

The exterior is covered with bare brick. The church also has a portico by the entrance, with two memorials dedicated to Edoardo Gabardi, constructed in 1942, and to Don Ambrogio Gianotti, constructed in 1971. The portico was constructed in 1941. [11] By the entrance there are 6 statues, which (in the original design) were meant to be placed on the roof of the portico. [11] The church was meant to have a decorated Cornice, which would have depicted various scenes of Jesus Christ's life, but due to lack of funds this could not be achieved. [30] On the portico, above the entrance, the words 'D. O. M. AC D. ÆDUARDO REGUMQUE REGIS CONF.' which translate to To God and to King Edward the confessor, king of kings. [1]

Bell tower

The bell tower of the church of Saint Edward The bell tower of the church of Saint Edward.jpg
The bell tower of the church of Saint Edward
The interior of the bell tower Interior of the Bell Tower of Sant'Edoardo.jpg
The interior of the bell tower
One of the bells A bell in the bell tower.jpg
One of the bells

Construction of the bell tower began in 2002, and concluded in 2003. The construction of the steel frame though began in 1946, but due to lack of funds it wasn't completed for another 57 years. It has the same style of bare brick like the church. There are 11 bells. On the side of the bell tower, facing the road, there are two plaques, one commemorating the church's involvement in the liberation of Italy, and the other commemorating the construction of the bell tower. [31] Standing at 52 meters, the bell tower is the tallest in Busto Arsizio. In 2024, the bell tower was opened for the first time since its construction to the public, with guided tours being offered one weekend a year. [32]

Parish priests

Below is the list of parish priests of the church of Saint Edward:

Notable people

Don Ambrogio Gianotti Don A. Ambrogio Gianotti.jpg
Don Ambrogio Gianotti

Notes

  1. ↑ Construction of the interior concluded in 2025, after a missing portion of floor was added.
  2. ↑ The bell tower is 52 metres (171 ft) tall.
  3. ↑ The neighbourhood of Saint Edward is subdivided into four districts (all named after items St. Edward used):
    1. Contrada dell'Anello – Yellow
    2. Contrada della Corona – Green
    3. Contrada dello Scettro – Blue
    4. Contrada del Mantello – Red
  4. ↑ Construction of the interior concluded in 2025, after a missing portion of the floor was added.
  5. ↑ Between 1938–1947, Gianotti served as a priest of the church. It was only in 1947, when the church was granted status as an independent parish that Gianotti became parish priest.

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 Candusso, Nicoletta (1989). S. Edoardo, La Chiesa, La Comunità, Il Quartiere. Arti Grafiche Baratelli. p. 13.
  2. ↑ "Parrocchie Sant'Edoardo e Santa Croce Busto Arsizio" (in Italian). Retrieved 1 August 2025.
  3. ↑ AA.VV. (1989)
  4. ↑ https://upel.va.it/it/news/chiesa-di-santedoardo/
  5. ↑ Candusso, Nicoletta (1989). S. Edoardo, La Chiesa, La Comunità, Il Quartiere. Arti Grafiche Baratelli. p. 11.
  6. ↑ https://www.laprovinciadivarese.it/ma-quale-battaglia-di-legnano-era-borsano-354804/
  7. ↑ Candusso, Nicoletta (1989). S. Edoardo, La Chiesa, La Comunità, Il Quartiere. Arti Grafiche Baratelli. p. 133.
  8. ↑ "E il parroco disse: "Insurrezione"" (in Italian). Archived from the original on 26 September 2013. Retrieved 28 September 2013.
  9. 1 2 "s edoardo".
  10. ↑ Candusso, Nicoletta (1989). S. Edoardo, La Chiesa, La Comunità, Il Quartiere. Arti Grafiche Baratelli. p. 27.
  11. 1 2 3 4 "Chiesa di Sant'Edoardo". UPEL Italia.
  12. ↑ Candusso, Nicoletta (1989). S. Edoardo, La Chiesa, La Comunità, Il Quartiere. Arti Grafiche Baratelli. p. 59.
  13. ↑ "Home | Parrocchie Sant'Edoardo e Santa Croce". SanCrEdo (in Italian).
  14. ↑ Candusso, Nicoletta (1989). S. Edoardo, La Chiesa, La Comunità, Il Quartiere. Arti Grafiche Baratelli. p. 51.
  15. 1 2 Milani, Chiara Lucia (25 September 2024). "Busto: Sant'Edoardo, è tempo di festa patronale". R55 (in Italian).
  16. ↑ "Orari S. Messe" (in Italian). Parrochie Sant’Edoardo e Santa Croce Busto Arsizio. Retrieved 1 August 2025.
  17. 1 2 "In bacheca" (in Italian). Parrochie Sant’Edoardo e Santa Croce Busto Arsizio. Retrieved 1 August 2025.
  18. ↑ Candusso, Nicoletta (1989). S. Edoardo, La Chiesa, La Comunità, Il Quartiere. Arti Grafiche Baratelli. p. 45.
  19. ↑ Candusso, Nicoletta (1989). S. Edoardo, La Chiesa, La Comunità, Il Quartiere. Arti Grafiche Baratelli. pp. 45–46.
  20. ↑ Candusso, Nicoletta (1989). S. Edoardo, La Chiesa, La Comunità, Il Quartiere. Arti Grafiche Baratelli. p. 46.
  21. ↑ Candusso, Nicoletta (1989). S. Edoardo, La Chiesa, La Comunità, Il Quartiere. Arti Grafiche Baratelli. p. 47.
  22. 1 2 3 Candusso, Nicoletta (1989). S. Edoardo, La Chiesa, La Comunità, Il Quartiere. Arti Grafiche Baratelli. p. 35.
  23. ↑ Candusso, Nicoletta (1989). S. Edoardo, La Chiesa, La Comunità, Il Quartiere. Arti Grafiche Baratelli. p. 73.
  24. ↑ Candusso, Nicoletta (1989). S. Edoardo, La Chiesa, La Comunità, Il Quartiere. Arti Grafiche Baratelli. p. 33.
  25. ↑ Candusso, Nicoletta (1989). S. Edoardo, La Chiesa, La Comunità, Il Quartiere. Arti Grafiche Baratelli. p. 34.
  26. ↑ Candusso, Nicoletta (1989). S. Edoardo, La Chiesa, La Comunità, Il Quartiere. Arti Grafiche Baratelli. p. 23.
  27. ↑ Candusso, Nicoletta (1989). S. Edoardo, La Chiesa, La Comunità, Il Quartiere. Arti Grafiche Baratelli. p. 24.
  28. ↑ Candusso, Nicoletta (1989). S. Edoardo, La Chiesa, La Comunità, Il Quartiere. Arti Grafiche Baratelli. p. 36.
  29. ↑ Candusso, Nicoletta (1989). S. Edoardo, La Chiesa, La Comunità, Il Quartiere. Arti Grafiche Baratelli. p. 37.
  30. ↑ Candusso, Nicoletta (1989). S. Edoardo, La Chiesa, La Comunità, Il Quartiere. Arti Grafiche Baratelli. p. 16.
  31. ↑ "Chiesa di Sant'Edoardo". Gruppo Alfano.
  32. ↑ https://www.ilbustese.it/2024/10/07/leggi-notizia/argomenti/busto-1/articolo/foto-e-video-il-campanile-che-fa-guardare-oltre-busto-e-dentro-la-storia-cosi-santedoardo-svela.html
  33. ↑ Candusso, Nicoletta (1989). S. Edoardo, La Chiesa, La Comunità, Il Quartiere. Arti Grafiche Baratelli. p. 69.
  34. ↑ Candusso, Nicoletta (1989). S. Edoardo, La Chiesa, La Comunità, Il Quartiere. Arti Grafiche Baratelli. p. 75.
  35. ↑ "Dr Don Giovanni Mariano (1946-2025)". Chiesa di Milano (in Italian). 12 May 2025. Retrieved 1 August 2025.
  36. ↑ "Busto, il saluto a don Giuliano Guarda tutte le immagini". La Provincia di Varese (in Italian). 9 October 2011. Retrieved 1 August 2025.
  37. ↑ De Martino, Federico (2 July 2019). "Dalla Diocesi, una notizia che fa scuotere la parrocchia di Sant'Edoardo". VareseNews (in Italian). Retrieved 1 August 2025.
  38. ↑ "«I nostri anziani meritano qualcosa di più». A Sant'Edoardo nasce Spazio Amico". ilBustese (in Italian). 5 April 2024. Retrieved 1 August 2025.
  39. 1 2 "Don Ambrogio" (PDF) (in Italian). Museo Partigiano. Retrieved 1 August 2025.
  40. ↑ https://bustocco.com/borri.htm
  41. ↑ https://www.bresciaoggi.it/argomenti/sport/e-prandelli-jr-si-sposa-col-viola-1.4133631

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