On February 24 Monsignor Silvano Provasi he turned 75. And he immediately hastened to write to the Archbishop of Milan, Mario Delpinito resign and pass the baton, as required by the procedures of the Milanese curia.
Monsignor Provasi is retiring
Without big proclamations or flag-waving, consistently with the stylistic code that marked his archpriest at the Cathedral of Monza. He arrived at the parish of San Giovanni Battista in 2007, taking over from Monsignor Dino Garboldi. Born in Arconate, he carried out his teaching for a long time in Busto Arsizio (1991-2000), where he loves to return occasionally to celebrate confirmations and first communions. He then held the position of Episcopal Vicar for the Pastoral Zone V of Monza and neighboring deaneries (2000-2007), which established him as a reference figure by virtue of his relational and pastoral skills.
His successor is unknown
Now, after seventeen years, a sort of small revolution is ready in the Duomo. «The Archbishop has confirmed me in my role until September 1st, then he will decide», he limited himself to commenting with calm sobriety, waiting for more appropriate times. It is not clear who will sit at his desk, but he will certainly have a heavy legacy in his hands due to workloads and responsibilities. As is natural for anyone who decides to take over the reins of such a famous and sought-after parish, with all the problems that will inevitably arise from it.
The future of Don Provasi
For Don Silvano, however, the possibility of staying in the orbit of the basilica for some time longer, as had already happened in the case of his predecessor. To facilitate as much as possible a delicate moment of transition, after all. Open to dialogue with the parish communities, in constant contact with the Orthodox, Muslim, Catholic of the Byzantine rite, Latin American and Asian communities distributed throughout Monza, he has undeniably distinguished himself over the years for his activism on the cultural front.
The Duomo is shining again
During his mandate, the Museum and Treasure of the Cathedral of Monza shined again, which under the management of the Gaiani Foundation has at heart the protection, conservation and enhancement of the extraordinary historical-artistic heritage of the Cathedral. Without forgetting the long restorations that returned the Zavattari frescoes in the Teodolinda chapel to their ancient splendor. And on the subject of restoration campaigns, it is impossible to remain silent about those that have recently “cleaned” the facade of the basilica from over a century of dirt and pollution. Attention to the history of the city and its most famous church is never an end in itself, often resulting in editorial products and cultural events designed both for specialists and for a broader public. The promotion of the «Monza Cathedral Bulletin», a parish organ available to all faithful, has moved in this direction. Or even the series of conferences «The Duomo tells», now in its thirteenth edition.
