San Alberto Hurtado Cruchaga, S.J.

On 23 October 2005, Pope Benedict XVI canonized a Chilean Jesuit, Father Alberto Hurtado Cruchaga. This is considered a development, most especially in the light of the Society of Jesus’ social apostolate, in her desire to promote “faith that does justice”.

Fr. Hurtado was very much part of our century. He was never foreign to the social conditions that beset our present society today. He was born on 22 January 1901 at Viña del Mar, Chile. He entered the Society on 15 August 1923, only twenty-two years of age. He was ordained a priest on 24 August 1933. After having lived and labored for the glory of God, he died on 18 August 1952.

The life of Fr. Hurtado has much to say to us, men of this present generation. In his lifetime, he saw, and even experienced the horrible pains of poverty – not having a home of his own and depending only on the compassion of others. But God, in His graciousness and wisdom, transformed these not-so-good experiences into something life-giving. Being totally aware of the horrors of poverty and social inequality, he led the establishment of the Hogar de Cristo, the “Hearth of Christ”, which provides not only a home for the homeless but also a warm family environment of love and acceptance.

Fr. Hurtado was indeed a true disciple of Ignatius and an authentic son of the Society of Jesus: ever conscious in establishing the Kingdom of peace, equality, and love for all persons across social standing, but more so to the poor and the marginalized.

May the Lord continue to bless His Church and the world with persons who possess the charism and gift of St. Alberto Hurtado. And may we ourselves mirror the love and compassion of Christ to all men and women, as mirrored by St. ALberto Hurtado during his lifetime.