ARTEMIDE ZATTI

Artemide Zatti was born in Boretto, in the province of Reggio Emilia, on 12th October 1880, to Luigi Zatti and Albina Vecchi, a farming family. From an early age, he was accustomed to work and sacrifice. At the age of nine, he was already earning his living as a farmhand. In 1897, the Zatti family, forced by poverty, emigrated to Argentina to settle in Bahía Blanca. Here, Artemide began to attend the parish run by the Salesians and became a collaborator of the parish priest, Fr. Carlo Cavalli, with whom he often shared work and prayer. He felt the desire to become a Salesian, was accepted as an aspirant by Msgr. Cagliero and, in his early twenties, entered the house in Bernal. He began to study hard to make up for the years lost. Providence entrusted him with the task of assisting a young priest sick with tuberculosis, who later died in 1902. On the day Artemide was to receive the clerical habit, he too contracted the disease. Back home, Fr. Cavalli referred him to the missionary hospital in Viedma. Fr. Evarisio Garrone, with experience gained in the Army, directed the hospital. Together with him, Artemide asked and obtained from Mary Help of Christians the grace of healing, with the promise, on his part, to dedicate his whole life to caring for the sick. She healed and kept her promise. First, he began to take care of the pharmacy attached to the hospital, where he learnt Fr. Garrone's logic: only pay those who can. When Fr. Garrone died, he was given total responsibility.

In 1908, he took perpetual vows. He absolutely dedicated himself to his sick. People sought him out and esteemed him. For the hospital staff, he was not only an excellent manager, but above all a great Christian. Some people describe his day as follows: “Up at 4.30 a.m. already. Meditation and Mass. He visits all the wards. Then by bicycle he goes to assist the sick scattered around the city. After lunch, enthusiastic game of boules with the convalescents. From 2 pm to 6 pm, he again visits the sick inside and outside the hospital. Until 8 pm, he works in the pharmacy. Then, returning to the wards, until 11pm, he studies medicine, and finally, spiritual reading. Then rest in permanent readiness for some call”. He obtained his diploma as a nurse. In 1913, he was the collaborator in the construction of the new hospital, which later, to his regret, was demolished. Without becoming dis-couraged, he equipped another one. Like Don Bosco, he made Providence the first and sure income for the budget of the works entrusted to him. Mary Help of Christians never abandoned him. When Don Bosco dreamt of his Salesian coadjutors, he surely wanted them to be holy like Artemide. In 1950, he fell from a ladder and was forced to rest. After a few months, the symptoms of cancer appeared. He passed away on 15th March 1951. His body rests in the Salesian chapel in Viedma. Venerable on 7th July 1997; beatified on 14th April 2002 by John Paul II.

O God, good Father,

You have called St. Artemide Zatti, Salesian Brother, to serve you in the poor and the sick.

He believed in you in the hour of trial,

he promised to give himself to his brothers and sisters wounded in soul and body, and, full of happiness at the healing he had obtained,

he faithfully lived the Gospel in daily work and generous self-sacrifice.

Grant that the joy of seeing him shine in the heaven of the Saints may help us to bear witness to your merciful love, which does not abandon any of your children.

Grant us through his intercession the grace

that we confidently ask of you

(formulate prayer intention).

Through Christ Our Lord.

Amen.