Blessed Laura Vicuna

Blessed Laura Vicuna was a young girl who lived in Chile during the late 19th century. Born on April 5, 1891, she was the daughter of Josephine Lisperguer and Jose Domingo Vicuna, a military officer. Laura was baptized on April 24, the same year, in the local church in Santiago de Chile. She was the second of three daughters, with the eldest, Julia, and the youngest, Teresa.

Laura’s life was marked by hardship and suffering, as her family struggled to provide for their needs. Her father was often absent, and her mother had to work hard to support the household. This meant that Laura and her siblings had to move from one place to another, as their mother sought work. Despite these challenges, Laura was known for her cheerful demeanor and her devotion to God.

Laura’s life took a tragic turn when her father died in 1900, after being wounded in a battle. This left the family in dire straits, with no means of support. Josephine then decided to move to Argentina, where she heard that there were better job opportunities. However, life in Argentina was no easier, and the family continued to struggle.

In 1903, Laura and her mother moved to Junin, a small town in the province of Buenos Aires. It was here that Laura met Father Josè Alberto Maria Rossi, a Salesian priest who had recently arrived in Junin. Laura was immediately drawn to Father Rossi, and she began attending his catechism classes. It was during one of these classes that Father Rossi noticed that Laura was shivering, despite the warm weather. Upon questioning her, he discovered that Laura was suffering from a serious illness, which she had been hiding from her mother.

Laura’s condition worsened, and she was eventually diagnosed with tuberculosis. Despite her illness, Laura continued to attend Father Rossi’s classes, which she loved dearly. She was also very devoted to the Blessed Virgin Mary, and she often prayed the Rosary. It was during one of her Rosary prayers that Laura received a vision of Our Lady, who told her that she would soon be with her in heaven.

Laura’s condition deteriorated rapidly, and she was eventually confined to bed. Despite her illness, Laura remained cheerful and serene until the end. She died on January 22, 1904, at the age of 12. Her last words were, “Mama, I am dying for my mother and for the Church.”

Father Rossi was deeply affected by Laura’s death, and he wrote a biography of her life, which was published in 1926. In this biography, Father Rossi praised Laura’s strong faith and her devotion to God. He also emphasized the importance of suffering, which Laura had embraced with courage and resignation.

Today, Laura Vicuna is remembered as a model of suffering and devotion. She was beatified by Pope John Paul II on September 3, 1988, and her feast day is celebrated on January 22. Her life is a testimony to the power of faith and love, and her example continues to inspire people around the world.

In conclusion, Blessed Laura Vicuna’s life was marked by great suffering, but she never lost her faith or her love for God. Her example serves as a reminder of the importance of resilience in the face of adversity, and of the power of prayer and devotion. May her memory continue to inspire us to live our lives with faith, hope, and love, no matter what challenges we may face.