Santiago (Chile). On 22 January 2025, as the sun set over Cerro Colorado in Renca and the heat subsided, the Daughters of Mary Help of Christians of St. Gabriele Archangel Province (CIL), the Salesian Family, friends, and neighbors of Laura Vicuña Shrine, of the Foundation and the religious community of the same name, gathered to commemorate the 121st anniversary of the birth into heaven of the young Chilean Blessed.

Cardinal Celestino Aós, Archbishop emeritus of Santiago de Chile, presided at the Eucharist, concelebrated by the Provincial of the Salesians of Don Bosco of Chile, Father Nelson Moreno, and other priests and deacons of the diocese of Santiago. (Video)

Recalling the nearly 5,000 young people present from 21 to 26 January in La Serena, Chile, for the National Youth Day, Card. Aós said:

“Why have so many young people come to La Serena? To take Jesus’ side. Why are we here this afternoon? To see how Laura Vicuña took the side of Jesus, to ask her to put us on the side of Jesus.”

The Archbishop emeritus added, “Laura was poor, a migrant to Chile, and then to Argentina. Her life was difficult and she soon became ill. But Laura was not a child who was bitter about life, complaining about everything. She stood by Jesus’ side.

This is why today we ask God to give us courage and strength, because sometimes the Christian life is demanding even for us. We ask for the courage to witness before the world the bliss of the pure in heart. And we renew our commitment. Do you want to be on the side of Jesus like Laura Vicuña?”

During the celebration, three awards were given to members of the Laura Vicuña Foundation who leave this service. To Sister Lucía Rosada, “for being a fundamental pillar in the creation and development of the mission of the Bl. Laura Vicuña Foundation. Her wisdom, patience, and unconditional love are the legacy that will urge us to continue transforming the lives of children and families.”

To Fr. Sergio Torres Pinto, “for his support and guidance as Vice-President (2010-2024). His professionalism, his Salesian heart, and his commitment to the mission of the Bl. Laura Vicuña Foundation have helped transform the lives of countless children and families.”

And lastly to Sister Ximena Oyarzo Mansilla, for her service of animation and guidance as President of the Bl. Laura Vicuña Foundation (January 2016 – January 2025): “Your testimony of commitment, dedication, and apostolic passion will be an encouragement to continue spreading the spirituality of Laura Vicuña through the vision and mission of our Institution.”

At the end of the Eucharist, a wish was realized, financed by CCU in strategic alliance with the Laura Vicuña Foundation and with the always careful collaboration of the Renca Municipality: The new belvedere was blessed from which Mary Help of Christians will look at the city and bless it every day.

The space is designed by Sister Catalina Báez, FMA; the architecture by Carolina Avendaño and Rodrigo Abarca; the sculpture by Eduardo Jalil; the construction by Juan Pablo Rojas and the Integral Services of Art and Devotion SPA, with the collaboration of the Municipality of Renca.

In 2024, with the prayer of the Hail Mary prayed nine times in memory of the  ‘dream at nine years of age’ of Johnny Bosco, a statue of the Help of Christians was blessed, which hopes to be the first of eleven stations that will be placed along Cerro Colorado, to facilitate the encounter with Jesus in a natural space. It’s a long-term wish, but the Help of Christians and Laura will come to help us.

Source: Commuications FMA Chile

Photos: Flickr FMA CIL

Inauguration video

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