Beginning in the XI century, with the crisis of the reading of the Word of God during the Eucharistic celebrations, the place where the Word was normally proclaimed went progressively into disuse: the AMBO.
In fact, since the Word was only spoken in the Latin language, it became incomprehensible and prolonged the celebrations. Luther’s reformation was a turning point, when he powerfully reintroduced the use of the Bible among the believers in the vernacular language. On the other hand, through the Council of Trent the Roman Church conscientiously reformed the list of the holy books, purifying it of the legendary and later texts (the “apocryphal” gospels) yet at the same time it forbad private reading and limited the reading during the celebrations to a very few repeated verses (even the book of texts to be read during the masses disappeared, replaced by a few pages framed on every alter: the ALTAR CARDS). Strengthening the SERMON was preferred, the comment to the sacred texts in the vernacular language proclaimed in a highly stylized manner from the PULPIT, a raised podium placed toward the center of the church, particularly suitable for hearing and seeing the preacher well.
The GREAT PREACHINGS of famous orators were often requested and paid by the municipality, which thus confided in resolving diatribes and disagreements among the family dynasties, citizen categories and neighboring municipalities.
During the most prolonged moments (Lent or MISSIONS), preachers of the caliber of Saint Bernard of Siena, Saint Vincenzo Ferrer, blessed Angelo of Chivasso or venerable Benigno Dalmazzo attract thousands of citizens from Cuneo or the countryside for several days in different periods, subduing feuds and brawls, obliging the renouncement of usury and gambling, requesting public vows and conversions, causing the construction and the maintenance of public works of charity for everyone (hospitals, orphanages, prison assistance, etc.). Everyone watched public preaching (which took place in the churches and even in the squares, on specially constructed pulpits): priests, religious, nobility, laity, prostitutes, poor, sick...These great moments marked the life of the Christian communities for decades, renewing the faith, reforming the traditions, introducing new forms of devotion and prayer (the rosary, the scapular, processions, new confraternities…).
Many religious families were “specialized” in preaching, who dedicated most of their time and energy to this method of spreading the word (Franciscans, Dominicans, Jesuits, Carmelites, Servites, Oratorians, Theatines...), engaging their members through training at schools of oratory, rhetoric, morale, theology, holy Scripture…
Most of the new forms of widespread piety and charity which nourished the Christian life of entire generations are a result of these trenchant formulas.