His legacy to Chilean society is no less striking - and his image ubiquitous.

TV commercials for the Hogar run footage of his intense, charismatic preaching.  Sculptures show him in characteristically active pose, laying the foundation stone of some new endeavour.  Worshippers chant his favourite expressions (contento, Seņor, contento) and his values are invoked by politicians.  Cardboard cut-outs of his rugged visage dangle over supermarket checkouts.  Even a suburb of Santiago bears his name.

True, Latin Americans adore their heroes, but even allowing for hagiographer's hyperbole, no one can doubt the impact of his personality.