Marco Melzi

Priest, sculptor and teacher of the Beato Angelico Family and School, Don Marco Melzi was born in Milan on 14 September 1918. From his father, a cabinetmaker, he inherited the strong passion for art, a passion that will accompany him for over 500 works created in 60 years of intense activity.

Many prestigious friendships marked his youth, from Giuseppe Lazzati (future rector of the Catholic University of Milan) to writer Giovanni Guareschi, both of whom he met during his military service in World War II, between years at the front and imprisonment.

After the war, which consolidated his vocation to the priesthood, Fr. Marco returned to teaching and joined the Beato Angelico Family. At the Brera Academy he met artistic personalities such as Francesco Messina, art historian Eva Tea, Giacomo Manzù, Luciano Minguzzi and Marino Marini. His friendship with Gio Ponti stands out among them all.

He teaches high school students about religion and art history in his straightforward, contemporary way, just like his works, which, with their unfinished style, connect with the infinity of faith.

Also in Milan, at his religious community, Don Marco Melzi died on 21 September 2013.

Testimony

“I met Don Marco in the seminary, on his return from the harsh military experience in the war, which lasted six years. In our meetings I had the opportunity to present to him the charism of our Founder in which he could have used his talents as an artist for the Church. I have always esteemed his artistic work which I gladly entrusted to him with my eyes closed".

Mons. Valerio Vigorelli