Blessed Laura Vicuña – Patron of Abuse Victims and Young Saints

BL. LAURA VICUNA

Blessed Laura Vicuña was a Chilean-Argentine child who, at the age of 13, offered her life to God for her mother's conversion. She died on January 22, 1904, from injuries inflicted by her mother's partner. Her selfless act led to her mother's return to the Church. Beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1988, she is honored as a patron of abuse victims.

Laura del Carmen Vicuña Pino was born on April 5, 1891, in Santiago, Chile, to José Domingo Vicuña and Mercedes Pino. The Vicuña family, part of Chile's aristocracy, faced upheaval during a civil conflict, leading them to flee to Argentina. In Junín de los Andes, Neuquén Province, Mercedes sought employment to support her daughters, finding work at the Quilquihué Hostel. The hostel's owner, Manuel Mora, propositioned Mercedes, offering financial support for Laura's education in exchange for her compliance. Mercedes accepted, and Laura enrolled in the Hijas de María Auxiliadora (Daughters of Mary Help of Christians) School, where she developed a deep devotion to the Catholic faith. She spent much time in prayer, especially before the Blessed Sacrament, and aspired to become a nun. Laura's classmates often mocked her for her piety, but she remained steadfast in her faith. She prayed daily for her mother's salvation and for her to leave Mora. At the age of 13, Laura privately vowed to live the three religious vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience. Her health deteriorated due to the physical abuse inflicted by Mora. On January 22, 1904, Laura died from her injuries. Before her death, she revealed to her mother that she had offered her life to God for her mother's conversion. Upon hearing this, Mercedes returned to the Church. Laura's remains were initially interred in Junín de los Andes and later moved to Bahía Blanca, Argentina. On September 3, 1988, Pope John Paul II beatified Laura Vicuña, recognizing her as a model of evangelical courage and sacrifice. Her feast day is celebrated on January 22.

Feast Day

22-1-

Birth Date

5-4-1891

Died Date

22-1-1904

Canonised Date

3-9-1988

Bahía Blanca, Argentina

"O Blessed Laura Vicuña, you offered your life for the conversion of your mother and the salvation of souls. Intercede for us, that we may live with the same courage and purity, and be witnesses of God's love in our daily lives. Amen."
BL. LAURA VICUNA

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BL. LAURA VICUNA

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