Blessed Laura Vicuña

Biography

Blessed Laura Vicuña, also known as Laura del Carmen Vicuña Pino, was born on 5 April 1891 in Santiago, Chile. She was the daughter of Jose Domingo Vicuña and Mercedes Pino. Laura's father was a soldier who tragically lost his life during the outbreak of the civil war in Chile. In order to protect herself and her infant daughter, Laura's mother, Mercedes, moved to Las Lajas, Argentina, while her husband fought in the war.

In Las Lajas, Laura grew up under the care of her mother, who endured many hardships as a single parent. Mercedes eventually became the common-law wife of a man named Manuel Mora, who provided financial support for Laura's education. Mora generously paid for Laura to attend a boarding school run by the Salesian Sisters, where she found great happiness and was known for her helpful nature.

It was during her time at the boarding school that Laura's faith in God deepened. On 2 June 1901, she made her First Communion, describing it as a decisive moment in her life. In her journal, she wrote, "Oh my God, I want to love you and serve you all my life. I give you my soul, my heart, my whole self." At the age of ten, she expressed a desire to join the Salesians, but her bishop advised her to wait.

During one of her Christmas holidays at home, Laura faced unwanted advances from Manuel Mora. Despite her young age, she courageously resisted him and eventually had to escape from the house to avoid his advances. Desperate to protect her mother from the life she was leading, Laura fervently prayed to God, offering her own life if they could escape from it. She approached her confessor once again, seeking permission to join the Salesians. Recognizing Laura's true vocation, he granted her permission. On 8 December 1901, Laura joined the Sodality of the Children of Mary.

Tragically, in late 1903, Laura fell severely ill and returned to her mother's care. However, their lives took a cruel turn when, on 14 January 1904, Manuel Mora, in a drunken rage, subjected both mother and daughter to his violent behavior. Laura attempted to flee from the house but was caught and brutally beaten, resulting in her loss of consciousness. Although she regained consciousness, Laura's health continued to deteriorate rapidly. She succumbed to a combination of her illness and the abuse, passing away on 22 January 1904 in Junín de los Andes, Neuquén, Argentina.

The profound sacrifice and unwavering faith demonstrated by Blessed Laura Vicuña deeply moved those who knew her story. When Mercedes learned of her daughter's sacrificial offering to die for her, she made the decision to leave Manuel Mora and return to the Church.

Blessed Laura Vicuña's exemplary life, her offering to God, and her faithful witness to the importance of defending one's purity continue to inspire others. Recognizing her heroic virtues, Pope John Paul II declared her venerable on 5 June 1986. Later, on 3 September 1988, Pope John Paul II beatified her, recognizing her for exemplifying Christian virtue and courage in the face of adversity. Her feast day is celebrated on 22 January.