About the Church of Saint Barnaba in Milan, Italy:
This is the first Church of the Barnabites Order, and is relatively small. The congregation, founded in 1530 by Anthony Mary Zaccaria, was given the name “Clerics Regular of St. Paul”. It was approved by Pope Clement VII in the brief Vota per quae vos in 1533. The Barnabites were established during the Counter-Reformation to reform the clergy, address declining religious practice, and restore devotion to the sacraments. In 1538, the old monastery of “Preposturale of San Barnaba in Brova” by the Milan city wall was given to the congregation as their main seat, and thenceforth they were known the popular name of Barnabites.
Renovations began on the old monastery in 1545, but it soon became clear that the building was too small. Galeazzo Alessi was commissioned to design its renovation and expansion. It has a nave with barrel vault, finishing in a rectangular presbytery serving as the sanctuary.
Construction was completed in 1567, followed by embellishing the interior, which continued into 1568. The first mass was celebrated in 1568 by Archbishop of Milan Charles Borromeo, Cardinal Protector of the Barnabite order, who had himself donated the altar.
In addition to being the first church of the Barnabite Order, it is the final resting place of Saint Anthony Zaccaria.
About Saint Anthony Zaccaria:
Saint Anthony Mary Zaccaria (1502 – 1539) was an Italian Catholic priest, physician, and early leader of the Counter-Reformation. He is best known as the founder of the Barnabites (Clerics Regular of St. Paul) and a promoter of devotion to the Passion of Christ, the Eucharist, and the renewal of lay religious life.
Born in Cremona, northern Italy (then part of the Duchy of Milan), to a noble family, Anthony lost his father, Lazzaro, at around age two. His young widowed mother, Antonia, devoted herself to his spiritual and intellectual formation. He studied philosophy at the University of Pavia and medicine at the University of Padua, earning his medical doctorate around age 22. He practiced as a physician in Cremona, focusing especially on the poor, before feeling called to the priesthood.
He was ordained a priest in 1529 at age 26 or 27. Anthony worked as a catechist, renounced his inheritance rights, and focused on spiritual and moral reform amid the challenges of the time (including wars and Church issues in northern Italy). He moved to Milan, where he gathered a group of like-minded priests and laypeople dedicated to preaching, education, and Eucharistic devotion.
In 1530, he founded the Barnabites (named after the Church of St. Barnabas in Milan), a religious order of clerics regular emphasizing apostolic zeal, simplicity, and reform.
He also helped establish the Angelic Sisters of St. Paul (a contemplative order for women) and a lay group, the Laity of St. Paul (or Married of St. Paul).
His spirituality centered on St. Paul the Apostle, Christ crucified, frequent reception of the Eucharist, and practical charity. He introduced or promoted practices like the Quarant’Ore (40 Hours’ devotion) and ringing church bells at 3:00 p.m. on Fridays to commemorate the Passion.
Anthony died of a fever on July 5, 1539 at age 36 (or 37) in Cremona. He was beatified and canonized by Pope Leo XIII on 27 May 1897. His feast day is celebrated on July 5 (optional memorial in the Roman Calendar). He is a patron saint of physicians.
Saint Anthony Zaccaria’s short but intense life exemplified energetic reform, deep prayer, and service to the Church during a turbulent era. The Barnabites continue his mission today through education, parishes, and missions.
His body was found to be incorrupt, and is on display here in the Church of Saint Barnaba.
The feast day of Saint Anthony Zaccaria is celebrated on July 5. He is a patron saint of physicians.
Traveling to the Church of Saint Barnaba in Milan, Italy:
The church is about 15 minutes walk from the Duomo, the Cathedral of Milan.
Address: Via S. Barnaba, 18, 20122 Milano MI, Italy
Tel: +39 02 551 6041