- Matthew 19:30 -
But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be
first.
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Jesus turned the world's values upside down. Consider the most powerful or
well-known people in our world - how many got where they are by being
humble, self-effacing and gentle? Not many! But in the life to come, the
last will be first - if they got in last place by choosing to follow
Jesus.
Don't forfeit eternal rewards for temporary benefits. Be willing to make
sacrifices now for greater rewards later. Be willing to accept human
disapproval, while knowing that you have God's approval.
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March 15th - Blessed Artemide Zatti
(1880-1951)
Artemide Zatti was born in Boretto (Reggio Emilia) on October 12, 1880. He
experienced difficulties and sacrifices from an early date. By the age of
nine he was already earning his living as a day laborer. Poverty forced
his
family to emigrate to Bahía Blanca, Argentina. Here Artemide began to
attend
the parish run by the Salesians and developed great confidence in the
Parish
Priest, Fr. Carlo Cavalli.
Advised to become a Salesian, he was accepted as an aspirant by Monsignor
Cagliero and, at the age of 23, entered the house of Bernal. Among other
things, he was entrusted with the care of a young priest who was suffering
from tuberculosis. Artemide caught the disease. He was sent to the
hospital
of San José. While there, the priest, doctor, Fr. Evarisio Garrone,
followed
him, in a special way.
With him, he asked and received the grace of a cure from Mary Our Help. On
his part, he promised to dedicate his whole life to the care of the sick.
He
was cured and kept his promise.
At first, he looked after the hospital Pharmacy. After the death of Fr.
Garrone, he was totally responsible for the hospital, which became the
scene
of his holiness. He was totally devoted to his patients.
Someone described his day as follows: "At 4.30 he is already up.
Meditation
and Mass. Visit to all the wards. Then, on his bicycle, he visits the sick
scattered throughout the city. After dinner he shares an enthusiastic game
of bowls with the convalescents. From 2 until 6 p.m. he visits the sick
again, in and outside the hospital. Until 8 p.m., he works in the
pharmacy.
Back to the wards again. Study and ascetical reading until 11 p.m. Then to
bed, ever ready for any call."
In 1913 he directed the building of a new hospital, which later, to his
great disappointment, was demolished in 1941, to make room for the
episcopal
residence for the new diocese of Viedma.
In 1950, a fall from a stairs forced him to retire. A few months later he
showed symptoms of cancer. He died on March 15, 1951.
His remains lie in the Salesian Chapel of Viedma. John Paul II beatified
him
on April 14, 2002, in Rome.
This Version Taken From:
http://www.savior.org/saints/zatti.htm
Also see longer version at this website:
http://www.salesians.org.uk/html/blessed_artemide_zatti.html
Saint Quote:
That which God commands seems difficult and a burden. . . . The way is
rough; you draw back; you have no desire to follow it. Yet do so and you
will attain glory.
--Saint Anthony Mary Zaccaria
Bible Quote
11 And it came to pass afterwards, that he went into a city that is called
Naim; and there went with him his disciples, and a great multitude. 12 And
when he came nigh to the gate of the city, behold a dead man was carried
out, the only son of his mother; and she was a widow: and a great
multitude
of the city was with her. 13 Whom when the Lord had seen, being moved with
mercy towards her, he said to her: Weep not. 14 And he came near and
touched
the bier. And they that carried it, stood still. And he said: Young man, I
say to thee, arise. 15 And he that was dead, sat up, and began to speak.
And
he gave him to his mother. 16 And there came a fear on them all: and they
glorified God, saying: A great prophet is risen up among us: and, God hath
visited his people. (Luke 7:11-16)
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To Obtain Holy Perseverance.
O Queen of Heavens, I, who was once a miserable slave of Lucifer,
now dedicate myself to thee, to be thy servant forever;
I offer myself to thee, to be thy servant forever;
I offer myself to honor thee, and serve thee during my whole life;
do thou accept me, and refuse me not, as I should deserve.
O my Mother, in thee have I placed all my hopes,
from thee do I expect every grace. I bless and thank God,
who in his mercy has given me this confidence in thee,
which I consider a pledge of my salvation. Alas, miserable
wretch that I am, I have hitherto fallen, because I have not
had recourse to thee. I now hope that, through the merits
of Jesus Christ and thy prayers, I have obtained pardon.
But I may again lose divine grace; the danger is not past.
My enemies do not sleep. How many temptations have I still
to conquer! Ah, my most sweet Lady, protect me, and permit
me not again to become their slave; help me at all times.
I know thou wilt help me, and that with thy help I shall conquer,
if I recommend myself to thee; but this what I fear--I fear
that in time of danger I may neglect to call upon thee,
and thus be lost. I ask thee, then, for this grace; obtain that,
in the assaults of hell, I may always have recourse to thee,
saying, Mary help me. My Mother, permit me not to lose my God.
-Amen
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