On the day of his feast day, on 13 June, they discovered from the results of his diagnosis that he had a serious tumor, for which he was already showing some outward signs of weakness and fatigue. He was admitted to the Pius XI nursing home for a few days and then returned to the Salesian house in Testaccio. On June 29, he left for the Salesian Institute in Castello di Godego for some rest and care, where he passed away yesterday afternoon.
He leaves in all who knew him a wonderful memory of a hard-working, affectionate, simple, friendly, always optimistic man, full of energy and authentic Salesian spirit.
Born on February 17, 1936, in Loria - Bessica (TV), he did his studies for "Printers - Typesetters" for three years at the Salesian Institute "Bernardi-Semeria" in Castelnuovo Don Bosco, at the end of which he decided to become a Salesian. After the year of his novitiate, he made his first religious profession on August 16, 1954. He spent three more years at Colle Don Bosco and then, at the invitation of his superiors, left for one of the then frequent missionary trips to Argentina. In an interview to the L'Osservatore Romano, Br. Maggiotto said: "I was destined for Madras, India. But at that time, it was 1957, and Italians were not welcome there. So I was diverted to Argentina, where I stayed for a long time."
He was assigned to the Salesian Printing School of San Isidro in Buenos Aires. He spent seven years there, first as a teacher and then as the manager. He spent two more years in Argentina as Technical Director of the printing press of "Editorial Don Bosco" in Buenos Aires.
He returned to Italy in 1969, assuming various positions of responsibility at Colle Don Bosco Printing School, of which he also became the technical director in 1972. In September 1975 he joined the Vatican community, assuming responsibilities in the daily newspaper "L'Osservatore Romano," of which he became the technical director until 1983, bringing major innovations such as the establishment of the Vatican Photography Services for the first time. In 1984 he became commercial director of the Vatican Printing Press.
The Rector Major, Fr Ángel Fernández Artime, remembers him thus, "Brother Maggiotto was a missionary in Patagonia Argentina. Then, he served at the Holy See for an uninterrupted period of 38 years, in which he tirelessly sowed the spirit of Don Bosco. He is a very fondly remembered figure in the Vatican, especially in the sectors of the Printing Press, Photography Services and L'Osservatore Romano. He was gifted with great interpersonal skills and had a highly refined style in his execution, which always carried the highest quality. He was a passionate Son of Don Bosco, with a noble heart and strong Salesian spirit. Commendable were his spirit of generosity and availability. As a Salesian brother, he leaves an indelible memory having succeeded in instilling in all the young students of Testaccio, his lively enthusiasm, joyful optimism and strong salesian spirit. His sudden departure leaves us with great sadness. His will continue to live on forever in the hearts of all those who had the privilege of meeting him."
An employee at the printing press commented, "He won the hearts of everyone. He was demanding, but at the same time, he was like a Father and brother to me. He was so sensitive and caring. When he saw a little sadness on my face, he would come and ask me if everything was okay and if he could help me in any way. I really miss him so much."
In everything he did, even in fixing up the terrace, Br. Maggiotto put so much passion. In fact, Pope John Paul II, every time he looked out of his bedroom window, he would see the beautiful roses he had on his terrace, crowning the little statue of the Virgin Mary, to whom he dedicated the first Hail Mary of the day. And once, again from Pope John Paul II, he received a rebuke - for having taken down the Christmas Tree prematurely from the terrace. Br. Maggiotto recounted receiving a phone call from Pope Wojtyła's private secretary, Fr. Stanislaus, who in a very serious voice told him, "The Holy Father would like to know why you were in such a hurry to remove that Christmas tree!" Not even ten minutes later the tree was back in its place!
Fr. Elio Torrigiani, who was 18 years the rector in the Salesian community at the Vatican and had a great closeness with Br. Maggiotto, said, "Thank you! Maggiotto was a person with an immense capacity to work, and was proud to be a Salesian. he possessed great relationship skills, and was attentive to people. He was naturally a manager, like so many people in his family. He managed training and work environments with efficiency, excellent results, and above all in a fraternal spirit. He loved Our Lady very much. The Rosary was the first commitment of his day."
His funeral will be held tomorrow, Thursday, July 21, at 4 p.m., in Castello di Godego. May Brother Maggiotto's soul rest in peace.
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