Chiesa dell'Ascensione di Nostro Signore Gesù Cristo

It was built in 1954 to plans by architect Francesco Fornari.The church is a parish, established by Cardinal Vicar Francesco Marchetti Selvaggiani on 25 November 1948 with the decree Cum in regione, and now entrusted to the Dehonian Fathers.The church was visited by Pope John XXIII on 3 March 1963 (as recalled by a plaque on the back wall) and by John Paul II on 3 February 1980.The façade is divided into two parts. In the lower part, between two pairs of travertine pilasters are the three main entrances to the building, characterised by cornices that overhang the top. In the upper part, there is a large semicircular window and a classical pediment surmounted by a cross. On the façade is the inion: Ascension of N.S.G.C..Inside, the rectangular-plan church has three naves, divided by red marble columns alternating with green pillars. The apse is dominated by a large stained-glass window depicting the Ascension of Jesus into heaven with the apostles and Mary; below it, leaning against the wall, is the marble seat. The side naves end with apses: in the right one is the altar of the Blessed Sacrament with a painting by Marisa Sarcano depicting the Ascension of Jesus among the apostles; above the altar is a circular stained-glass window depicting Eucharistic symbols; in the left one is the baptismal font, surmounted by a bas-relief depicting the Baptism of Jesus and a circular stained-glass window depicting the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove.Light penetrates into the church through the stained glass window in the apse and through twelve windows located in the upper part of the nave; in these are twelve stained glass windows depicting a number of saints, including the four evangelists, Padre Pio, Francis of Assisi, and Saint Rose. In the left aisle is a sculptural composition with a statue of the dead Christ in a reclining position and the grieving Virgin. In the side aisles there are other statues of saints for popular devotion. In the upper part of the back wall are two other stained glass windows depicting, on the left side, the Virgin and Child and, on the right side, Father Dehon, founder of the religious who officiate in the church, in a kneeling position and in prayer.