The Church of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Mirabella Imbaccari, affectionately known as the “small church,” tells a powerful story of faith and resilience rooted in the early twentieth century.

Its origins trace back to an unfinished project in 1904, when lack of funds halted construction despite the laying of the foundation stone by Monsignor Damaso Pio De Bono. The decisive turning point came with the devastating earthquake of 1908, which rendered the Mother Church unusable and created an urgent need for a new place of worship.

In this moment of crisis, the young priest Rosario Gagliano found a temporary solution in a large warehouse in the Forche district, generously provided by Salvatore Politini. There, on January 5, 1909, the first Mass was celebrated in an atmosphere of deep emotion, using a simple wooden altar. Through the dedication of the faithful, the space was gradually transformed and officially recognized in 1911.

The interior, structured into three naves, preserves a rich artistic heritage, including a wooden Crucifix by Vincenzo Moroder and the statue of the Sacred Heart by Luigi Santifaller. Of particular historical interest is a wooden altar believed to have been donated by Ignazio Paternò Castello, the last Prince of Biscari.

Over time, the church was enhanced with the addition of a bell tower (1933), a Carrara marble baptismal font (1940), and an elegant walnut portal (1961).

Today, the parish remains a vital spiritual center, preserving the memory of its founder, Don Rosario Gagliano, whose remains have rested within the church since 1947.

An inscription honors him as the one who built this temple, ensuring it would endure as a beacon of light and devotion for the entire community.