St. Artemide Zatti was an Italian-Argentine Salesian Brother who dedicated his life to caring for the sick and the poor. He is especially known for his work in a hospital in Viedma, Argentina, where he selflessly served as a nurse for over 40 years.
St. Artemide Zatti was born on October 12, 1880, in Boretto, a small town in the Province of Reggio Emilia, Italy. His family was poor, and his parents were devout Catholics. Zatti moved to Argentina as a teenager in search of work, where he joined the Salesian Order, an order dedicated to the care and education of young people.
Zatti’s life took a transformative turn when he became seriously ill with tuberculosis at the age of 17. During his long recovery, he promised the Virgin Mary that, if he were healed, he would dedicate his life to serving others. His prayer was answered, and he recovered fully, going on to live a life of deep faith and selfless service.
He took his religious vows as a lay brother and became part of the Salesian community in Viedma, Argentina. There, Zatti was assigned to work at the hospital for the poor, where he began a life of care and healing. Zatti’s care for the sick was extraordinary—he worked as a nurse without pay, and many credit him for the compassionate and loving care that he showed to the poor, the sick, and the elderly.
One of the most remarkable aspects of St. Artemide’s life was his ability to balance his work as a nurse with his spiritual life. He found ways to connect his daily tasks with prayer and devotion, and he became known for his humility, gentleness, and commitment to his work. He worked tirelessly in the hospital, and his actions were driven by his deep sense of service to others.
St. Artemide Zatti’s dedication to service continued for over 40 years, and during this time, he was revered as a saint by many in the local community. He took on the full range of nursing responsibilities, from administering medicine to providing basic care, and he did so with a joy that was contagious. His kindness and warmth left a lasting impression on everyone he encountered.
Zatti died on March 15, 1951, after a long period of illness. He was remembered by the people of Viedma for his service to the poor and the sick. His work had a lasting impact on the community, and his legacy as a humble and loving servant continues to inspire those who follow in his footsteps.
St. Artemide Zatti was beatified by Pope Francis in 2020 and canonized as a saint on October 9, 2022. His feast day is celebrated on November 15. He is a symbol of compassion, selflessness, and service to others, and his example challenges us to live a life of humility and love, following Christ’s own example of care for the poor and the sick.