THE YOUNG PEOPLE MARK THE CANONIZATION OF ST ARTEMIDE ZATTI IN LAGOS

The canonization of St. Artemide Zatti was celebrated with great enthusiasm and joy throughout the Salesian world, as the whole Salesian family was inspired by the life of this humble Brother. 

Even the street children in Lagos, Nigeria, had the opportunity to learn about St. Zatti and celebrate his life. They, together with members of the Oratory, were invited to draw a portrait of the new saint – it took time and effort, as well as a keen sense of observation, to be able to trace out his outline and features. Through this simple exercise, they learnt that they too could imitate St. Artemide by trying to imitate his virtues, especially that of helping one another.

In addition, St. Artemide Zatti lived what St John Bosco said to the first Salesians leaving for America: “Take special care of the sick, the children, the elderly, the poor and you will receive God’s blessing and the respect of those around you.” As the Constitution of the Society of St. Francis de Sales stipulated in Article 6: “The Salesian vocation places us at the heart of the Church and put us entirely at the service of her mission.”

Painting and drawing go hand in hand. They are sorts of art that demonstrates the silence of thought and the music of sight. “Painting and drawing are just another way of keeping a diary.” “If you could say it in words, there would be no reason to paint or draw.” To some persons, the only time they feel alive is when painting and drawing. On the 25^th of October was really a superb experience with the young people on the street and some Oratorian. My encounter with Kola who made it for the first time to our home “Bosco Home” was an impressive one because he adds a flavour to our event by drawing a nice portrait of St. Artemide Zatti. 

The outreach to children still living on the street is part of the programme offered by Bosco Boys Home, as it seeks to establish the first point of contact with the young people. It is led by Fr Linus Onyenagubor SDB who goes out of his way to make contact with these vulnerable children.  Through the weekly interventions accompanied by a group of volunteers, mostly past pupils, Fr Linus together with his community members seeks to gain their trust and so help them even while they are living on the street, and eventually lead them to join Bosco Boys Home.