Laura Vicuña
Female·January 22·Chile·19th century
Laura Vicuña was a Chilean child known for her profound religious devotion and sacrifice. She willingly offered her life at the age of 13 for the salvation of her mother, experiencing abuse before her death. Laura was beatified by Pope John Paul II and is recognized as a patron of abuse victims.
Key Facts
- ›Laura del Carmen Vicuña was born on April 5, 1891, in Santiago, Chile, to an aristocratic family.
- ›Following her father's death and family displacement, she moved to Argentina with her mother, Mercedes Pino.
- ›Laura attended the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians School, where she developed a deep interest in the Catholic faith and aspired to become a nun.
- ›She endured physical abuse from Manuel Mora, her mother's partner, who opposed her religious aspirations.
- ›Laura offered her life for her mother's salvation with the authorization of her Bishop.
- ›She died on January 22, 1904, from pulmonary tuberculosis, exacerbated by abuse, having fulfilled her sacrifice for her mother.
Laura del Carmen Vicuña Pino
Abuse Victims
Daughters of Mary Help of Christians
Chile, Argentina
Child Martyr, Victim of Abuse
About Laura Vicuña
Laura del Carmen Vicuña Pino, born on April 5, 1891, in Santiago, Chile, was a young girl known for her profound religious devotion and ultimate sacrifice. As a member of a Chilean aristocratic family, her early life was disrupted by revolution, leading her and her mother to seek refuge in Argentina. There, facing hardship and abuse, Laura found solace and purpose in her Catholic faith.
Life and Historical Context
Following her father's death, Laura and her mother relocated to the Argentine province of Neuquén. To finance Laura's education, her mother took employment at a hostel, where the owner, Manuel Mora, made advances. Laura entered the Hijas de Maria Auxiliadora (“Daughters of Mary Help of Christians”) School, developing a deep spiritual life and a desire to become a nun. Her piety, however, often alienated her peers. She endured significant emotional and physical abuse from Manuel Mora, who opposed her religious aspirations and ceased paying for her schooling. The nuns at her school eventually provided scholarships for Laura and her sister.
Sacrifice and Death
Inspired by the Gospel, Laura Vicuña made a profound decision to offer her life for her mother's salvation, a sacrifice authorized by her Bishop. By January 1904, she had become gravely ill with pulmonary tuberculosis. On January 22, 1904, weakened by her illness and further abuse from Mora, Laura died, having offered her life as a testament to her faith and love for her mother. Her last words to her mother were a plea for repentance and a promise of her mother's salvation.
Beatification and Legacy
The Salesian Sisters of Don Bosco championed Laura's cause for sainthood, and after a lengthy process, she was declared Venerable in 1986. A miracle attributed to her intercession was recognized, leading to her beatification by Pope John Paul II on September 3, 1988. Laura Vicuña is venerated as a patron of abuse victims, her life serving as an example of faith, resilience, and selfless love in the face of adversity. Her feast day is observed on January 22. Notable shrines dedicated to her are located in Chile and Argentina, with further memorials in the Philippines.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Laura Vicuña born and where?
Laura Vicuña was born on April 5, 1891, in Santiago, Chile. Her family were aristocrats, but were forced to flee to Argentina following a revolution.
What challenges did Laura Vicuña face in Argentina?
After moving to Argentina, Laura's mother took a job at a hostel, and the owner, Manuel Mora, propositioned her. Laura entered a school run by the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, where she faced difficulties from classmates due to her piety. She also endured physical abuse from Mora, who opposed her desire to become a nun.
What was Laura Vicuña's significant sacrifice?
Remembering Jesus' words about giving one's life for friends, Laura offered her life for her mother's salvation with the authorization of her Bishop. She became seriously ill with pulmonary tuberculosis, and was further weakened by abuse, which accelerated her death.
When and by whom was Laura Vicuña beatified?
Laura Vicuña was beatified on September 3, 1988, by Pope John Paul II. She is recognized as the patron of abuse victims.
What is Laura Vicuña's feast day?
Her feast day is celebrated on January 22, the anniversary of her death.
Where is Laura Vicuña venerated?
A primary shrine to Laura Vicuña is located at Renca Hill in Santiago, Chile. Shrines and memorials also exist in Junín de los Andes, Argentina, and various locations in the Philippines.
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Eduardo Francisco Pironio
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Félicité Pricet
Félicité Pricet was a devout Catholic laywoman from Châtillon-sur-Sèvre who became one of the French Catholic martyrs of Angers. She was executed on 18 January 1794 in Avrillé for her support of anti-royalist rebels and her adherence to her faith during the War in the Vendée. She was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 1984 and is honored on her feast day of 18 January.