{"id":5702,"date":"2022-10-29T17:29:14","date_gmt":"2022-10-30T00:29:14","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/salesianbulletin.org\/?p=5702"},"modified":"2022-10-29T17:29:14","modified_gmt":"2022-10-30T00:29:14","slug":"artemide-zatti-bringing-the-family-together","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/salesianbulletin.org\/es\/2022\/10\/29\/artemide-zatti-bringing-the-family-together\/","title":{"rendered":"Artemide Zatti: Bringing the Family Together"},"content":{"rendered":"

By Bro. Reegan Ledet, SDB<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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518. This was the approximate number of Salesians of Don Bosco that were present at a historical event, the Canonization of Brother Artemide Zatti. Really, even that number isn\u2019t quite accurate, 518 SDBs registered for the week of events, but present at both St. Peter\u2019s Square and later in Valdocco (the birthplace of the Salesian Family) was a number beyond my comprehension. It\u2019s hard for me to write about the emotions, pride, and gratitude that my heart was filled with that week, but here I will attempt to share.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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The moment three of my brother Salesians and I stepped off the bus and walked into the small alley just to the right of Sacro Cuore (the Generalate or Salesian worldwide headquarters), we were instantly welcomed with a palpable sense of family and that classic Salesian Hospitality. There were snacks and water, but most importantly there were Salesians all around. There were some Salesians running around from side to side preparing the check-in table, and some Salesians from Africa sitting waiting for the check-in table to be ready. Without missing a beat there was an instant connection and desire to just share pleasantries, and quickly the recognition of family created a moment to share and be together. Within, I would say 30 minutes, the few Salesians doubled, then tripled so that the small alley was filled with laughter and talking and of course eating.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

I was a little overwhelmed with just the amount of people from all around the world in one place\u2014acting as though they have known each other for years. It was fun seeing Salesians who really DID know each other, but haven\u2019t seen each other for years.\u00a0 I saw fraternal reunions of Novitiate classmates, Specific Formation Houses, and Missionaries with their home provinces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yes, this was the first of many \u201cteary-eyed moments for me\u201d. \u00a0I decided to finally go out and just start saying hi, and I immediately met new brothers that I can even now call friends. One being a young brother from the Philippines, after talking for a few minutes we realized that we are from the same \u201cprofession batch\u201d, we were so excited! Later we realized we were at the same lodging! \u00a0Immediately after, I also encountered and spoke with a quiet and friendly older Salesian who introduced himself as \u201cClement from Zambia,\u201d and after speaking for a while he \u201clet slip\u201d that he was the First Salesian Bishop of Zambia!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As interactions were continuing, it was evident that regardless of age and experiences, we were simply confreres to one another\u2014nothing more nothing less, but truly just brothers! This was an amazing realization for me.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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These first hours preparing for the festivities were only a small part of what I experienced. The following days were filled with activities, meals, prayer moments, and tours. However, another particular experience I want to share is the first steps I took in Valdocco.  Of course, for me, this was another \u201cwaterworks moment.\u201d As we stepped off the bus and took in the beauty of the Basilica of Mary Help of Christians, I was overcome with a deep sense of gratitude for not only the opportunity to go to Italy, but I was filled with immense gratitude for my vocation to the Salesian Family, particularly as a Salesian of Don Bosco!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

My newly found brothers and I would often say to each other, \u201cWe are home!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n