OLBIA. Exactly two years after the death of Don Raimondo Sattatheologian, teacher and priest of the Stella Maris church in Porto Cervo, the municipal council of Olbia has sealed the deed of bequest to the Municipality of Olbia of the entire book heritage of the Satta brothers, officially naming the library (under construction) ” Raimondo Satta priest”, who will be an integral part of UniOlbia.
At the open council meeting, called by the president Marzio Altanathe mayor was present Seventh Nizzi, the majority and the minority of the council. The bishop of the diocese also participated, mgr. Roberto Fornaciarithe rector of the University of Cagliari, Francesco Molathe municipal official Gianna Masuthe president of the UniOlbia consortium, Aldo Cartaand Don Raimondo’s brother, Don Gianni Satta.
“Don Raimondo was one of our fellow citizens with whom I never spoke in Italian because between us we used the dialect which represents the language of proximity – said the mayor Nizzi -. He was one of the most culturally present figures in the city and when his brother Don Gianni decided to donate his books to us, we immediately thought of naming the University library after him. And I think the whole city is happy.”
“Having been here for a few months, I have not had the fortune of meeting Don Raimondo – said the bishop Mgr. Roberto Fornaciari -. I’ve heard a lot about it. Many cite him and remember him. I can say that, from what I have learned, you were one of the highest figures in the diocese in recent decades. He leaves a great legacy to the city that is suited to its depth.”
Gianna Masuwho oversaw the technical process of acquiring the library, read a short passage from John Donne’s sermons to represent his friendship with the parish priest.
Also Aldo Cartapresident of the UniOlbia consortium, wanted to remember the figure of Don Raimondo: “I worked intensely with him when we were laying the foundations of the UniOlbia project and it often happened that he gave up everything and told me, ‘sorry but I have to go to my boys’. The cultural and spiritual growth of young people was his main objective. For this reason, today we can consider ourselves apostles of his enthusiasm and determination in carrying forward the university project in Olbia”.
The magnificent rector of the University of Cagliari, Francesco Mola, spoke about the importance of opening a library within UniOlbia: “In less than twenty days we have a challenge to face, we as the University of Cagliari and you as the community of Olbia: it concerns the accreditation of the course of studies of naval engineering. And showing up with a library in the university center’s “toolbox” is something important.”
In conclusion here is the speech of Don Gianni Satta: “An Italian Cardinal, Giacomo Biffi, said: I am an Italian who became a cardinal! Paraphrasing him: Raimondo, Don Raimondo, is a man from Olbia who became a priest. I rejoice with you, Dr. Settimo Nizzi, mayor of Olbia, the council and the municipal council, Mr President of this Council, lawyer. Marzio Altana, that you had in mind, at the same time as donating the book heritage of the beloved Don Raimondo to the municipality of Olbia, to start the process to name the UniOlbia university library after Don Raimondo Satta.
And, taking up what Dr. wrote. Aldo Carta: following “the municipal resolution which underlines the importance of Don Satta not only as a spiritual and intellectual guide but also as a fundamental pillar in the creation of the UniOlbia university consortium. Don Raimondo was also, until his death, a member of the board of directors of UniOlbia”.
On the one hand, I am surprised and happy that the highest civic, secular institution in the area, the municipality, has expressed this high, special recognition. And here, I grasp the astuteness of the men who without hesitation and freely, did not waste time, understanding the value of the person and of his action for the territory and the city of Olbia, for the creation of the UniOlbia university consortium.
On the other hand, beyond my blood and spiritual ties, the person expressed a human, intellectual and spiritual elegance, a habitus to distinguish him in the difficult, yet fascinating and challenging field of culture, of the education of children, of young people , to make some confreres exclaim: while we priests make a thousand attempts, programs, pastoral plans to approach, interest the children, and respond to their expectations and needs without significant results, instead it is the children, the young people, the young people who are looking for Don Rai , they bring him closer, they rejoice in his consideration, his friendship, his charm as an educator, as a person who transmits trust, joy of living, and of planning and achieving the impossible. That phrase written on the walls of the University of Paris: be realistic, seek the impossible! Raimondo, Don Raimondo made it possible!”
I close my speech, Mayor Nizzi, with a brief comment that you wrote to me on the first anniversary of his death and which I still hear with mixed feelings. Together, the joy, the thanks for having him with us, but chi Piccatu. I miss him, we miss him. The Word became Flesh, he became a Project. Raimondo did not live in vain. Thank you”
