The Life of Fr Alberto Hurtado SJ

Alberto Hurtado was born in Viña del Mar, Chile, on 22 January 1901, into a Christian family. When he was barely 4 years old, his father died, leaving his mother, Anita Cruchaga, on her own and in charge of Alberto and his brother, Miguel.

In 1909, he was admitted into the San Ignacio School, where he proved to be a good scholar, as well as a cheerful, sociable, and very pious person.  His kindly nature led him to devote his free time to visiting and helping the needy.

After completing High School, he studied Law at the Universidad Católica de Chile, while working to help his mother.  However, his vocation lay elsewhere: He wanted to become a priest.  His long hours spent in prayer, begging for this goal to materialize, did not go unheeded: in settlement of a debt, his mother was paid an amount that would enable her to live comfortably for the rest of her life.

 Hogar de Cristo, Chile

 Fr Hurtado Centre, Catholic University of Chile

 The Jesuits in Chile