Our history
Blessed Paul VI Institute of Religious Studies
About us
The Higher Institute of Religious Studies Blessed Paul VI at Villa Cagnola was established by the will of Noble Guido Cagnola. In 1946, he donated his villa in Gazzada with the desire to create a center that would combine scientific objectives of promoting the “study of religious issues” with practical goals of training “the clergy and the laity” to elevate the “religious and spiritual life of the Italian people.”
This “beautiful design,” suggested by Don Luigi Bietti to his friend Cagnola, and deeply pondered by him before his committed adherence, received strong interest from Giovanni Battista Montini. First as Substitute for the Secretariat of State and then as Archbishop of Milan, Montini supported the donation and the enhancement of Villa Cagnola’s cultural service as a tool for dialogue, exchange, and inner growth.
During which the institute has promoted research initiatives on pastoral issues and organized ecumenical meetings.
Where you can enjoy pleasant walks through an intricate network of natural pathways and observe breathtaking views.
With a private bathroom, internet access and 24/7 reception, providing a luxurious retreat within the villa.
The maximum capacity of the numerous equipped rooms for organizing meetings, conferences, or training courses.
Study center
In 1976, a second institution, “Fondazione Ambrosiana Paolo VI” (Ambrosian Foundation Paul VI), was founded to take over the study and research activities for the organization of most of the Religious Studies Conferences (the so-called European Week, a project proposed by Pope Paul VI that was appreciated and deemed inspiring).
In 2017, the Ambrosian Foundation Paul VI was incorporated into the ISSR, which adopted the new name of ISSR Beato Paolo VI (Blessed Paul VI Higher Institute of Religious Studies). The institute continues to carry on the work that has distinguished it for over half a century as a prominent research laboratory and a center for the development of Catholic culture.
Initiatives
In particular, the unique initiative of the “European Religious History Weeks” stands out. This original project aimed to study and document the decisive contribution of Christianity to the formation and growth of the identity of various peoples. Among the most important publications are the “Religious History” series, comprising 48 volumes that explore the complex themes of dialogue between cultures and religions. These works span from the dioceses of Lombardy to the peoples of the Euro-Mediterranean basin, the Balkans, and Africa, extending to the North American continent.
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