The breath-taking Cathedral of Milan has appeared throughout the broadcast of the 2026 Winter Olympics, co-hosted by Milan and Cortina. Known as the Duomo di Milano, the Cathedral’s exquisite Gothic architecture, including135 spires, directs our eyes and hearts upward, creating a sense of rising energy much like that of the magnificent snowy Alps of Cortina. The architectural wonder of the Cathedral and the natural splendor of the Alps offer a stunning beauty to these Winter Games.
As an Augustine scholar, when I see the Cathedral, I also find my spirit looking downward to what lies beneath the current church structure. There, archaeologists have uncovered the remains of the 4th century baptistry, constructed in 378. In that very baptistry, the great Bishop Ambrose baptized Augustine in 387. Appropriately for one who cherished life lived in community, baptized alongside Augustine were his teenage son, Adeodatus, whose name means “God-given,” and his dear friend, Alypius, who later became Bishop of Thagaste, their hometown.
The rest is history, needless to say. Following their baptism, the three prepared to return to Thagaste in North Africa where Augustine and Alypius hoped to live a life of prayer and study. Augustine’s mother, Monica, began the journey back to North Africa with them but died along the way in Ostia not long after she and Augustine had shared a glorious contemplative experience together. Adeodatus died a year or two later in North Africa.
While Augustine did establish religious communities in Thagaste and elsewhere in North Africa, his life took another surprising turn when visiting the city of Hippo where the Christian community called him to ordination…insisted on it, actually. He served as presbyter and then as Bishop of Hippo. He preached sermons that still move and inspire readers today (including Pope Leo XIV!), wrote treatises that offer solid foundations for Latin theology, resolved theological and ecclesial disputes, and much more. Throughout his theology and spirituality runs a deep sense of wonder, awe, and gratitude for God’s expansive love and grace.
As we enjoy the final days of the 2026 Winter Olympics, marveling at the stories and accomplishments of these amazing Olympians, the sight of the gorgeous Cathedral can also inspire us to marvel at the gift of love, the surprising turns of history, and the spiritual companionship we have with Ambrose, with Monica, with Augustine….and with one another.
You can read the story of Augustine’s experience in Milan as a young rhetor in his Confessions. I recommend Maria Boulding’s translation from New City Press: The Confessions | Focolare Media .
Here are a couple of brief video tours of the Cathedral from NBC affiliates: Take a tour and closer look at Duomo di Milano – NBC Bay Area
Touring the inside of Italy’s largest and most iconic cathedral | NBC4 Washington
P.S. Here’s a fun bonus video clip that brings together two of my current personal interests: the Blade Angels, i.e., the US women’s figure skating team, and Taylor Swift! Taylor Swift introduces you to Team USA’s ‘Blade Angels’ Amber, Alysa, and Isabeau | NBC Sports (Watch for a cameo appearance of the Cathedral at the 1:12 time marker!)