Lonato Church Revitalized with Padre Pio Statue Blessing and Restoration
Today, Saturday, May 5th, on the occasion of the second anniversary of the beatification of Padre Pio da Pietrelcina, a statue of the friar will be blessed and subsequently placed in the church of Disciplina in Lonato, which has been radically restored to become a place of prayer again after years of abandonment and total degradation (it was reduced to a storage warehouse).
The ceremony is scheduled for the afternoon, at 4:30 PM. The renovation costs were approximately 260 million lire for the parish. There are no precise historical references regarding this small church, attached to the minor basilica, with entrance from Via Repubblica; certainly, its construction predates that of the Basilica of San Giovanni Battista (whose construction began in 1738).
Origins and History of the Church
The current name, “Capella dei Disciplini“, derives from a simplification of the local language because this church never belonged to the brotherhood of the Disciplini. In the book “The Brotherhood of the Disciplini in the Church of Corlo in Lonato“, written by Monsignor Alberto Piazzi, former parish priest of Lonato, it is highlighted that among the institutional works of that congregation was assistance with the burial of the deceased.
Restoration Works
The restoration of the small temple was overseen by Architect Giulio Sigurtà, who had to intervene due to the poor state of preservation on the interior walls, ceiling, floors, and external plasters. The work also included the electrical system, the heating system installed with radiant panels under the floor, and the entrance porch.
Additionally, all external and internal stone artworks were cleaned. A comprehensive restoration, lasting several months.
Comments from the Parish Priest and Thanks
“The youth will have the joy of discovering — explains parish priest Monsignor Giuseppe Boaretto — a new place of prayer and gathering, another beautiful church alongside the other beautiful churches of Lonato. I take this opportunity offered by Bresciaoggi to thank all the people and families who contributed with donations, planning, and their work to the restoration and furnishing of the church.”
“I am convinced I have interpreted the wish of the faithful of Lonato, who are deeply attached to their little church, just as I am equally convinced that I have recovered a significant historical and artistic piece for the parish heritage. I also want to reassure all benefactors that daily prayer, according to their intentions and for their deceased loved ones, will continue, and every Friday a Mass will be celebrated in Disciplina, according to the intentions of the benefactors and for their dearly departed.”
Artistic Work
Finally, it is worth highlighting the work carried out by Angelo Busacchini, a professional painter, who painted the altarpiece of the chapel.