The Rector Major, Fr. Ángel Fernández Artime, writing to the Rector of the Zilina VTC, Fr. Josef Sarnecky, said he was favorably impressed by the generous creativity of reaching out to Salesians all over the world with a simple but meaningful gift and wanted to express his heartfelt thanks.
Fr. Á.F. Artime said in his message, sent even before the canonization, "Each of the Salesians who will participate in the canonization will take with them during the pilgrimage the icon of Zatti made by you. The icon will become a sign with which to travel the places of Don Bosco, through the intercession of St. Artemide, with his same apostolic passion; but at the same time, during the pilgrimage, the icon made by the young Slovaks will be a sign of the presence of all the youth of the world to whom we are sent."
It was also an engaging and joy-filled experience for the youth from Slovakia, bearing witness to the truth of the phrase "there is more joy in giving than in receiving."
"It was wonderful to spend time wrapping this small gift for all the Salesian coadjutors of the world. It gave me an opportunity to learn more about St. Artemide Zatti, and I am proud that a small sign of our little school will be present all over the world," said Ján, a fourth-year graphic design student. "These were beautiful moments for the shared relationships, through common work, for a greater purpose," added Šimon, a fourth-year carpentry major.
For those who wish, VTC Zilina has also made itself available to produce more icons for Salesian homes around the world. Those interested are invited to make arrangements by writing to the center's secretariat: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
