The Life of Fr Alberto Hurtado SJ

He later founded workshops to provide these people with education and training in some kind of dignified work.  His many activities also included publications and lectures on the priesthood, teenagers' difficulties, Catholicism, education and social organization.  Additionally, he founded the magazine "Mensaje" and was the leading spirit of Chilean trade-unionism.

Father Hurtado developed cancer.  In hospital, and while enduring serious pain, he never complained.  He accepted God's will, and was often heard to repeat: "I'm happy, Lord, happy", which was to become his personal motto.

Father Hurtado died on 18 August 1952.  He is buried in the sanctuary built in his memory, on Av. General Velázquez 1090, Santiago, Chile.  The Chilean Parliament instituted 18th August as "Solidarity Day", in honour of the beatified priest.

The process towards Father Hurtado's beatification was undertaken in Rome and completed in The Vatican City on 16 October 1994, under John Paul II.  He was canonised by Pope Benedict XVI on 23 October 2005.

 Hogar de Cristo, Chile

 Fr Hurtado Centre, Catholic University of Chile

 The Jesuits in Chile