Saintly Saturday - Blessed Laura Vicuna


Blessed Laura Vicuna was the first child of Mercedes Pino and Jose Vicuna and was born into the noble Chilean family on April 5, 1891. When she was still young, Laura’s father died, leaving her alone with her mother and one younger sister. Left to raise her two daughters, Senora Mercedes was forced to find work outside of the country. Under desperate circumstances, she found no other option than to seek a living in a Senor Manuel Mora’s “hacienda,” a sort of large estate or plantation. This man was of a shady character and was able to win Senora Mercedes over by promises of help and protection, which included enrolling her daughters in a school run by Salesian Sisters in Junin.

Sheltered under the love and guidance of the Sisters, Laura thrived. She began to learn more about God and through gentle nurturing, a deep love bloomed for Him within her. This love manifested itself in her kindness towards her schoolmates and the Sisters. 

When she became aware of her mother’s situation, Laura prayed fervently that the Senora would also find God and would be given the strength to overcome the hold that Mora had over her. Although she had good intentions and great concern for her daughter's welfare, this often led her to be persuaded by the man's demands. So great was Laura’s love that it brought forth these words from her lips: “I offer you my life for that of my mother.”

A severe winter fell upon Junin in 1903, and along with the poor weather came an illness to Laura. Growing weaker, her mother brought her back to Quilquihue, in hopes that she would improve in the milder climate.

The child did not improve, and in fact grew worse. Laura knew that God had accepted her offering. Finally she said to her mother, who remained with her constantly, “Mama, I’m dying, but I’m happy to offer my life for you. I asked Our Lord for this.” Overcome with this saintly act, her mother responded that she would do whatever Laura asked, and thus her daughter was at peace. 

Weakened not only from her disease, but from Mora’s physical abuse as well, Laura died on January 22, 1904.

Blessed Laura Vicuna, pray for us!

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