Bl. Laura Vicuna
Patron of abuse victims, Argentina, incest victims, loss of parents, martyrs
1891 - 1904
Beatified By: Pope John Paul II
Laura was the first child born on April 5, 1891 to Senora Mercedes Pino and Jose Domingo Vicuna, a soldier who belonged to a noble Chilean family. A civil war broke out and Senor Vicuna had to flee his country. A few days after the birth of the second child Julia Amanda, Senor Vicun, worn out physically and mentally, died, leaving his wife and children alone. Seeing that she could not survive, she decided to leave the country. She finally found work at a large "hacienda" owned by Senor Manuel Mora. He was a typical Argentine "gaucho", a dreamy Latin lover and a shady character. Senora Mercedes let herself be won over by his promises of help, and accepted his protection. His financial support would allow her to enroll her two girs as pupils in the Salesian Sisters' school in Junin, but at what price! Laura was very happy living under the serene guidance of the young missionary Sisters. She discovered God, His love, and allowed herself to be surrounded by it. God's love stimulater her to love in return. Thus Laura made herself all to all, helping them in any way she could. She was a leader and everyone's friend. Laura accepted God's love. Laura was fascinated by the ideal of the Sisters and secretly hoped to consecrate herself to God in the service of her brothers and sisters. "I wish Mamma would know you better and be happy", she often prayed before the tabernacle. Laura was distressed about her mother's situation with Senor Mora; her mother was indeed far away from God and Senor Mora was the cause. The struggle for living and providing for her daughters had wearied her. In a moment of stress and discouragement, she had given in to his demands. But Laura would do her best to give her mamma God's friendship once again. Love is stronger than death, love creates and maintains life. Deeply believing this, Laura said to the Lord: "I offer you my life for that of my mother". The winter of 1903 at Junin was extremely severe, with persistent rain and dampness. Laura became weaker with each passing day; she was wasting away. Although her mother took her home to Quilquihue where the climate was ore pleasant and helpful, there was no improvement in her health. Laura knew she would not recover. God had accepted her offering-her self-immolation. Senora Mercedes remained day and night at her bedside, surrounding her with every care and attention. Laura kept looking at her tenderly. Now it was time to reveal her secret. "Mamma, I'm dying, but I'm happy to offer my life for you. I asked Our Lord for this". Senora Mercedes was appalled. She fell on her knees sobbing. She understood everything in a flash. "Laura, my daughter, please forgive me...O dear God, please forgive my life of sin... Yes, I will start again." Laura's face was not serene and at peace.
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I personally drew so much inspiration reading about the young saints made by the Salesians especially Dominic Savio & Laura Vicuna. Please heroic ones, help me in my quest for a godly life.
Jesus want us to suffer for His Passion, 5 minutes a day, is not dificcult, I suffer more than that, offering my suffers for the His Passion, and the Sinners of the world and the Peace on the World, Jesus want us to love Him and Trust Him, and be peacemakers, asking forgivenesses to each other, is so easy, now is Jesus probation, He testing us how much faith we have, the end is near, have faith, be prepared now, when you die you have no time to repent the sins. I am catholic, I love and trust Jesus, say many times you can. I trust in You Jesus.
I have a prayer which I use to pray, before I became sick. Is not dificult to be a Saint, just give yourself to Jesus, with penance and sufferings.
Me a Salesian Past pupil, knew about Laura when i was 22 years old and now having read more about her, am interested to know more. Te credit is to the SDB who have brought more saints to the catholic Church.
Long Live Don Bosco
Laura is a spiritual supporter for me. I knew her while still desiring to serve God n up to to today I feel her presence in my life. I love her way style n appreciate her much....
I READ IN A CONVENT SCHOOL WHERE THERE ARE 4 HOUSES AND I BELONG TO LAURA VICUNA'S HOUSE. I LOVE HER SPIRIT AND SHE IS ONE OF MY FAVOURITE SAINT
The life of Bl Laura makes me proud that I have her name. I hope all Lauras learn about her and are inspired.
this was a little bit helpful but i still need some more information for my school assignment.
i still need to know this:
-writings
-teachings
-acts of holiness
-heroic acts
I am inspired by the life of Laura, She is one of the Saints i love very much, am greatly inspired by her courage to save the life of her Mamma and gave herself willingly to God at a very tender age.