Church of San Giuseppe

A chapel born of a wish for charity

Don Giuseppe Morgera, the “saintly parish priest” who led Casamicciola through its years of rebirth after 1883, had often expressed the wish that the town should have a house of charity. After his death in 1898 it was his niece Giuseppina Morgera who made it happen, founding a care home for the elderly and adding a church dedicated to San Giuseppe (St Joseph). The institution is linked to the work of Don Orione, after whom the street is named.

History

Italy's national catalogue of cultural heritage records the church as commissioned on 22 September 1925 and completed in August 1929. Founded as a private chapel, it is now owned by a Catholic religious body; a change of ownership is documented on 10 February 1957.

For some years this small church played an important part in the town's religious life. On 6 December 1947 Casamicciola's second parish was established here, alongside the historic parish of Santa Maria Maddalena. Since the building was privately owned, however, the arrangement did not last: by decree of 19 March 1955 Bishop Ernesto De Laurentiis transferred the parish to the church of Sant'Antonio al Mortito, which took the title of San Giuseppe in Sant'Antonio. In 1978 the church was restored and took on its present appearance.

The link with parish priest Morgera

For many years the chapel held the mortal remains of Don Giuseppe Morgera. Only in 1966 were they moved to the mother church, today's basilica of Santa Maria Maddalena, where his tomb now lies. Morgera, whose heroic virtues have been recognised by the Church, is remembered as Venerable.

Architecture

It is a simple building with a rectangular single-hall plan, built in tuff masonry with a flat roof. The façade is plain, topped by a moulded stucco pediment; inside, the floor is marble and the space is intimate and essential, designed for the prayers of the care home's residents and the local faithful.

Where it is and how to get there

The church is in central Casamicciola, between Corso Vittorio Emanuele and Via Don Luigi Orione, a short distance from Piazza Bagni. Sources give the address under one street or the other. As it is attached to a care home for the elderly, access may be restricted: it is advisable to check with the parish of Santa Maria Maddalena.

What to see nearby

A few steps away is the church of San Pasquale Baylon, seat of the Confraternity of Sant'Anna. Continuing uphill you reach the basilica of Santa Maria Maddalena, where parish priest Morgera is buried, while to see the parish that inherited the title of San Giuseppe you can head down towards Perrone, to the church of Sant'Antonio.