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The design for the new Church of Sant’Annibale Maria di Francia in Giardini Naxos was born from the desire to express, through architecture, the spirit of welcome and charity that defined the life of the saint. The rectangular floor plan opens into rounded and softened spaces – niches and vaults that evoke gestures of embrace and inclusion, symbolically welcoming every person into the community.

The main façade features a statue of Saint Annibale Maria with open arms, set within a rounded niche beside the entrance. A large forecourt, landscaped and designed as a place for gathering, leads to the church and also hosts the bell tower—a visible and symbolic element of community calling.

Inside, natural light plays a central role: the vaulted ceiling and skylights evoke the heavens and the spiritual aspiration toward the divine. Glazed walls and the presence of local plants establish a dialogue between the liturgical space and nature, echoing Pope Francis’ call for a Church immersed in creation.

The organization of the liturgical spaces follows principles of clarity and centrality: the raised presbytery includes the altar, ambo, chair, and tabernacle, while spaces for devotion and sacraments are fully integrated and easily accessible. Every environment is designed to encourage participation, social connection, and inclusion – both in celebration and in community life.