Mesero
Comune of Mesero: history, culture and tradition
Mesero is a small town located in the metropolitan city of Milan, in Lombardy, with a population of just under 4,200 inhabitants. It is known for the cemetery chapel that houses the body of St. Gianna Beretta Molla, whose life was an example of dedication to family and faith. Mesero is also the site of the first family sanctuary dedicated to her. In March 2016, the municipality was recognized as "City of Italy".
History
The first archaeological finds indicating the presence of a settlement in the area date back to the Roman era when votive stones and plows dedicated to the god Mercury were found. The first historical document mentioning Mesero dates back to 1393 when Antonio Corrado, a Milanese nobleman, bequeathed his property to the fathers of the Order of St. Ambrose ad Nemus in Milan, with the obligation to distribute bread, chickpeas, and wine to the local poor.
A more relevant document for local history, dating back to 1399, mentions a donation from the Duke of Milan to the friars of the Sacred Monastery of Certosa di Garegnano of all the properties of Ottone da Mandello and Lanzarotto Bossi located in Mesero. This donation led the Carthusians to own a large part of the territory of Mesero, but the remaining part remained in the hands of some local families, including the Crivelli. The Carthusians played a fundamental role in the development of the community, teaching new cultivation techniques and assisting the population during periods of famine and war.
Culture and tradition
Mesero houses the cemetery chapel that houses the body of St. Gianna Beretta Molla, whose life was an example of dedication to family and faith. The chapel is a destination for continuous pilgrimages from Europe and the Americas. Mesero is also the site of the first family sanctuary dedicated to St. Gianna Beretta Molla, where meetings and retreats are organized for families.
The community of Mesero celebrates numerous fairs and festivals throughout the year, but the most famous is the "Festa del Mais" held on the first weekend of September. During the festival, the inhabitants of Mesero celebrate the harvest of corn and offer delicious local specialties to all their guests. The festival also includes a parade of floats and costumes.
Conclusion
Mesero is a small and historic town situated in the metropolitan city of Milan. The local community proudly celebrates its history and traditions and warmly welcomes visitors. From the body of St. Gianna Beretta Molla to the Festa del Mais, there is much to discover and appreciate in Mesero.
