Santiago (Chile). On 5 April 2024, Laura Vicuña Sanctuary of Renca, in Santiago de Chile, was filled with colors, music, laughter, and joy to celebrate the 133rd birthday of the Chilean Blessed, a student of the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians, born in the same city on 5 April 1891.
A group made up of hundreds of girls, boys, young people, educators, parents and Daughters of Mary Help of Christians from the Educating Communities of Santiago and nearby cities, from the St. Gabriel Arcangelo Province (CIL), together with representatives of the schools of the Municipality, gathered on the “El Colorado” hill of this municipality to create a sign of life, ecology, and friendship, planting trees to contribute to the reforestation of this hill. This gesture takes on a particular value, as the reforested area had been hit by a fire some time ago. Among shovels, spades, soil, and trees, the testimony of holiness of “Laurita” was celebrated, renewing the call to be, like her, ‘Guardians of life’.
After this experience, the participants took part in the Eucharistic Celebration, prepared by the Blessed Laura Vicuña Foundation and presided over by Monsignor Cristian Castro, recently appointed Bishop of Los Angeles, with the presence of several local authorities, including Mrs. Romina Jesús Peral, Mayor of San Luis Argentina; the Mayor of the municipality of Renca, Mr. Claudio Castro; and the Municipal Councilor, Cecilia López.
Bishop Castro, in his homily, highlighted the essential characteristics of Blessed Laura Vicuña and how she, starting from her reality, made the risen Jesus Christ known. At the time of the presentation of the gifts, the water, soil, and fertilizer, which the earth needs to make life flourish, were brought to the altar. Together with these, the Quasimodists presented a canvas created by the “House of the Woman” of Huamachuco, blessed by Pope Francis. This canvas was brought from the Vatican by the Mayor, Mrs. Romina Jesús Peralta; and the Mayor, Claudio Castro.
The different moments of the Eucharist were accompanied by the presence of two students from the Valparaiso Educational Community, who personified Blessed Laura and her friend Mercedes. The Celebration ended with the arrival of a beautiful cake, to the tune of the song “Happy Birthday”, followed by the Solemn Blessing. The party ended with sharing a slice of cake with everyone present.
May Laurita’s testimony of Holiness continue to be fruitful in the lives of young people!
Photos: Flickr FMA Chile
