(ANS - Rome) - Tomorrow,  13 November, marks the memorial of Blessed Artemide Zatti, SDB (1880-1951). He left Italy with his family in search of a better life in Argentina, the land dreamed of Don Bosco. There  he discovered his Salesian vocation which he  lived in a passionate competent service, and with a great love for the sick.

by Fr Pier Luigi Cameroni, SDB

For almost fifty years he lived in Viedma as an exemplary religious, punctual in the discharge of his duties and dedicated totally to the service of the needy.

What gave depth to all this and what immediately struck those who met him, was his interior life as a disciple of the Lord, who lived his consecration at every moment of his life, in constant union with God and in gospel fraternity. From the judgment of doctors who were close to him over a long period at delicate moments such as long operations, the opinions of fellow workers, the words of public officials, and  the testimony of his confreres, what emerges is an all round person, with the Salesian balance which united the different aspects of his life in a harmonious personality, unified, peaceful, open to the mystery of God in his daily life.

It is remarkable that, with the challenging tasks he had to do, Artemide Zatti never lost the sense of community. He was always present for daily prayer, moments of fraternal gatherings at table and other occasions for sharing the joy of family, which he expressed in a very special way. For him, the Salesian community was a place to experience God and the fraternity of the gospel.

Published 12/11/2014