By Br. Bernardinus Mei (Mikoli), SDB
Jakarta – Indonesia, 6 October 2022 -- On 22 May 2022, I got a message via Facebook from Brother ‘Mon’ Callo that he was waiting for me in Rome for Zatti's canonization. Reading his message, I was so excited that I am going to Rome. The news of his canonization became an important moment in the history of our Congregation. Brother Zatti is the first Salesian after Don Bosco to become a Saint. In September, our provincial and his council decided that two perpetually professed Brothers of Indonesia will participate in the canonization of Brother Zatti, myself and Br Alfridus Tena (Bojez) were chosen. I'm happy to share my experience of faith and pilgrimage as a Salesian Brother in six points, that accompany the canonization event. It was an experience full of grace and joy that nurture my faith and my vocation.
The gathering of Brothers from various Provinces, from various parts of the world
A feeling of joy and joy was experienced by all the Salesian Brothers including myself and Br Bojez. After receiving a Visa to enter Italy, hopes and dreams of meeting Salesian Brothers from other provinces came true. On October 7, 2022, we all gathered at the Sacro Cuore. We were divided into various groups with their respective nametags. It all became clear that we had entered a great and blessed event. I am grateful for this event. First, it happened for the first time that the Salesian brothers gathered from all corners of the world. Even though they have different ethnicities, languages and cultures, they are united in one Salesian spirit. Second, Br Zatti’s canonization is God's a grace for all Salesians, especially for the Brothers. Brother Zatti has shown his way of life towards the crown of holiness, as a Saint. Truly, God's grace and love are so extraordinary for people who share their lives with others, especially those who are really in need. This grace was demonstrated through a miracle experienced by Mr Renato, elder brother of Br ‘Obet’ in the Philippines. This miracle shows that God works through his saints. Third, intercession in prayer is a service. Saint Zatti is a saint who has interceded in prayer for the sick. His whole life was a service to the sick. And Zatti is always willing to help. He himself said that this was a call from God.
Audience with the Holy Father
It is a wonderful thing when one meets a representative of Christ. I experienced this encounter and felt so happy, proud, and with a feeling of an indescribable excitement. I didn't realize that the happiness and joy were so intense and unbearable that the tears flowed: “Am I crying because I'm sad? No! I am so happy and immensely rejoicing.” I asked myself, why was I chosen to shake hands and kiss the Holy Father's ring? I felt unworthy to meet face to face with a Vicar of Christ. But, once again I believe that this is God's grace to me, to my vocation and to all those who support my vocational choice. More than that, I am grateful for the grace of God working through Saint Zatti. It was because of him that I was able to meet the successor of Peter in person. I don't just watch it on TV or in a video. But I looked at him, took his hand and kissed the ring on his finger. Really, this is amazing!
The canonization Mass of Saint Artemide Zatti in St Peter’s Square
This Mass was the heart of all celebrations. The canonization event was presided over by Pope Francis. When the Pope read the sentence, “Blessed Artemide Zatti is now a Saint in the Holy Church”, my heart was filled with joy. I looked up to the sky that was so bright, giving a message that Saint Zatti was a sign of the glory of eternal life with God. His life gives a message of holiness. By participating in the Brother Artemide Zatti canonization, my heart was overflowing with Joy. Indeed Br Zatti was my idol since my early formation years. Life is indeed directed to God. Man was created by God to serve Him for his whole life. I was really happy, that my ‘idol’ since the Aspirantate now became a Saint.
Pilgrimage to Don Bosco holy places: Rome, Valdocco, Becchi and Chieri
The program made by the Rector Major for the Salesian Brothers was truly extraordinary. I said to myself, “I used to only read or hear stories about Don Bosco and the places where Don Bosco was born, lived, worked, served young people, and did other great works. But now, I see directly with my eyes and perceive it in my mind. Don Bosco, a farmer's son in the village of Becchi, with God's help and grace was able to become an extraordinary priest. His promise, "for you I study, for you I live, even to the point of giving up my life," so resounded in my heart. Don Bosco was poor, but also rich in the love of God that he shares with poor and neglected young people. He is rich in his loving passion in his mind, heart, and veins.
After seeing, following the traces of Don Bosco's life history, and silently reflected that a person who gives himself to the advancement of other people's lives will not experience a setback in his life. His sacrifice gave the beauty of life to many others.
Geographically, the distance between Becchi and Chieri is short, then the distance between Becchi to Rome, is really very long. But Don Bosco's heart brought it all closer. In the early days of his arrival in Rome, Don Bosco did extraordinary things – contributed to the peaceful relationship between the Church and Government and was called to intervene in some other religious orders. I felt that Don Bosco was a person with a big heart and full of God’s grace.”
Sharing of Brother Alfridus Tena
“When I was sent by the Vice Province of Indonesia to attend the canonization ceremony of Saint Artemide Zatti, I felt happy and very blessed. There was a question in my heart, 'Why was I chosen?' My answer was, that it must have been a move by the Holy Spirit. I believe that it is all because of Saint Brother Zatti. Of course, I am an ordinary Salesian Brother who has never set foot outside his own country. If I remember, it all started with a joke within the Indonesia Brothers WhatsApp group, and I was finally chosen to go to Rome. When I finished my visa process, I couldn't believe I was going to Rome. Another thing that impressed me so much was that when we arrived in Rome, having an audience with the Holy Father Pope Francis I, celebrating the Canonization of Saint Zatti and following a pilgrimage to the ‘holy places’ where Don Bosco was born, has worked, went to school. I just said spontaneously to myself: ‘I entered the Congregation of Don Bosco. And I am very proud to have a father, who was so extraordinary and highly respected by the Church and the government due his Charism.”
Conclusion
“God's love is so strong and powerful for those who faithfully follow Him. In all ways and means God accompanies and guides people into His Kingdom of Love. Brother Zatti who became a Saint in the Salesian Congregation of Don Bosco, that consists of Priests and Brothers and within the whole Salesian family. Salesian Saints become complete in the large Salesian Family and in within the Universal Church.”
