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Oil Dedicated to St Alberto Hurtado (Patron for Street Children)

St Alberto Hurtado (Patron for Street Children) from A Blessed Call To Love, Ireland.

Saint Alberto Hurtado was a Chilean Jesuit priest, lawyer, and social activist who devoted his life to serving the poor and marginalized. He was born in 1901 in Viña del Mar, Chile, and was the youngest of three children. His father died when he was just four years old, leaving his mother to raise the family on her own.

Despite his difficult upbringing, Hurtado excelled in his studies and went on to study law at the Pontifical Catholic University of Chile. He later traveled to Belgium to continue his studies, but while there, he became deeply moved by the poverty and suffering he witnessed. He decided to join the Jesuit order and dedicate his life to serving the poor.

Hurtado returned to Chile and began working with the poorest of the poor in the slums of Santiago. He founded the Hogar de Cristo, a network of shelters and programs that provided food, shelter, and medical care to those in need. He also worked to improve living conditions in the slums, advocating for better housing and sanitation.

In addition to his work with the poor, Hurtado was also a prolific writer and speaker. He wrote several books and articles on social justice, the Catholic faith, and the plight of the poor, and he was a powerful voice for change in Chile.

Hurtado’s tireless work on behalf of the poor and marginalized made him a beloved figure in Chile. And he was widely respected for his compassion and his commitment to social justice. He also known for his deep spirituality and his strong faith. And he often spoke of the importance of prayer and reflection in the fight for social justice.

St. Alberto Hurtado died in 1952 at the age of 51. But his legacy continues to inspire people around the world. He canonized by Pope Benedict XVI in 2005, and his feast day celebrated on August 18th. He remembered as a tireless advocate for the poor and marginalized. A compassionate and selfless individual who devoted his life to serving others.