Stories of Saint John the Good - V11 (1838/1842) by Giovanni Battista BertiniVeneranda Fabbrica del Duomo di Milano
The life of Saint John the Good is narrated within the three stained-glass windows of the Cathedral's southern apse, which were created between 1839 and 1842 by Gian Battista Bertini.
Southern transeptVeneranda Fabbrica del Duomo di Milano
Stories of Saint John the Good - The glory of the Saint (1838/1842) by Giovanni Battista BertiniVeneranda Fabbrica del Duomo di Milano
The central window V12 depicts the Glory of the Saint, surrounded by cherubs and clouds.
Stories of Saint John the Good (1838/1842) by Giovanni Battista BertiniVeneranda Fabbrica del Duomo di Milano
The stained-glass window at the left of the altar, number V13, instead depicts the episodes of the Consecration as a Bishop...
... St. John the Good arrival in Milan, broughting back the residence of the Milanese Bishops to Milan from Genoa...
and the foundation of the Church of Desio, as the episode Saint John the Good Participates in the Council of Rome.
Stories of Saint John the Good - V11 (1838/1842) by Giovanni Battista BertiniVeneranda Fabbrica del Duomo di Milano
Depicted in the stained-glass window V11 at the right of the altar we find the episodes: The cure of the diocese, The expulsion of the Arians, The journey to Rome and The funeral of the Saint.
Illustrative of 19th-century glazed art, the ornamental stained-glass windows of the Chapel of Saint John the Good are characterized by the extensive use of enameling as a painted glass technique.
Stories of Saint John the Good (1838/1842) by Giovanni Battista BertiniVeneranda Fabbrica del Duomo di Milano
In 1582, Charles Borromeo wanted to transfer the Saint's remains into the Cathedral. At the time, the southern transept was open to foot-traffic, but was then closed for the purposes of housing the chapel and the relics.
The life of the Saint
San Giovanni Bono was Archbishop of Milan from 641 to 651, a difficult time, marked by a history made of distance. The stained glass windows of the chapel celebrate his enterprising and pacifying figure. His main merit was that of putting an end to exile and returning the bishop's seat to Milan, working for its reconstruction and stabilization. For these reasons he became the object of great consideration and then of real veneration and was nicknamed "the Good".
Stories of Saint John the Good - The glory of the Saint (1838/1842) by Giovanni Battista BertiniVeneranda Fabbrica del Duomo di Milano
Born in Camogli, possibly of the noble family of Recco, he lived during the years when the Ambrosian Diocesan seat was moved to Genoa because of the Lombard invasion.
Stories of Saint John the Good (1838/1842) by Giovanni Battista BertiniVeneranda Fabbrica del Duomo di Milano
Revered by the Milanese for having brought the bishops' residence back to the city, he was called the Good because of the example that he gave to his flock.
The Saint's liturgical commemoration takes place on 5th January.
Stories of Saint John the Good - V11 (1838/1842) by Giovanni Battista BertiniVeneranda Fabbrica del Duomo di Milano
He distinguished himself by his faith and commitment, and was a true exemplar of far-sighted vision, as well as of strength and rectitude.
Stories of Saint John the Good (1838/1842) by Giovanni Battista BertiniVeneranda Fabbrica del Duomo di Milano
Every year the city of Recco, proud of having been the Saint's birthplace, sent olive and palm trees for the procession in his name, in remembrance of the deep bond between the city and the bishop known as the Good.
Stories of Saint John the Good - V11 (1838/1842) by Giovanni Battista BertiniVeneranda Fabbrica del Duomo di Milano
A heartfelt tribute to the memory of one who was able to bring the Ambrosian Diocese's exile to an end.
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