St. Alberto Hurtado

St. Alberto Hurtado was a Chilean Jesuit priest, lawyer, and social reformer, deeply committed to the poor and marginalized. He founded charitable institutions and promoted Catholic social teaching, becoming a national symbol of justice and compassion.

Saint Alberto Hurtado Cruchaga was born on January 22, 1901, in Viña del Mar, Chile. From a young age, he faced hardship after his father died and his family was left in poverty. Despite this, he excelled academically and spiritually, demonstrating strong moral integrity and an early desire to help others.

Alberto earned a law degree from the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile, and though he could have pursued a comfortable legal career, he chose a different path. In 1923, he entered the Society of Jesus (Jesuits) and was sent to Spain and Belgium for formation. He was ordained a priest in 1933, returning to Chile in 1936 to begin an energetic ministry that would touch every corner of Chilean society.

One of his most significant contributions was the founding of "El Hogar de Cristo" (The Home of Christ) in 1944, an institution dedicated to providing shelter, food, and dignity to the homeless and abandoned. It started with a small shelter and became a vast network of charitable works still active today.

St. Alberto was also a powerful advocate for workers’ rights, forming the Chilean Trade Union Association and writing extensively on Catholic social teaching, emphasizing the dignity of work, justice, and solidarity. His book Is Chile a Catholic Country? sparked critical conversations about how faith should translate into action for the poor and marginalized.

He had a profound spiritual life, marked by a strong devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Eucharist, and Mary, and was known for his warmth, accessibility, and tireless energy. He especially valued the formation of youth and was a beloved figure among Chile’s young people through his involvement with Catholic Action.

Alberto Hurtado died on August 18, 1952, from pancreatic cancer, at the age of 51. His last words were: “Content, Lord, content.” His life was a living testimony to the Gospel, and he is remembered for bridging faith and social justice in action.

He was canonized by Pope Benedict XVI on October 23, 2005, in recognition of his virtuous life, his deep compassion for the poor, and his impact on the Church and society. He is now venerated across Latin America and is one of Chile’s most beloved saints.

Feast Day

18-8-

Birth Date

22-1-1901

Died Date

18-8-1952

Canonised Date

23-10-2005

Santiago, Chile

"Saint Alberto Hurtado, faithful servant of God, help us to serve others with love and compassion, just as you did throughout your life. Inspire us to be a light to the poor, and to offer our hearts in service to those in need. Pray for us, that we may live with your spirit of charity and humility. Amen."
ST. ALBERTO HURTADO

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ST. ALBERTO HURTADO

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