Chilean to Be Canonized in October

VATICAN CITY, JUNE 26, 2005 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI confirmed that the canonization of Chilean Jesuit Alberto Hurtado Cruchaga will take place Oct. 23 in Rome.

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The news was communicated to the Chilean bishops’ conference in a letter sent by Cardinal Angelo Sodano, Vatican secretary of state. The confirmation of the date indicates the first canonization at which Benedict XVI will preside.

The date was announced by Monsignor Manuel Camilo Vial, president of the Father Hurtado Central Canonization Committee, together with Father Cristián Precht, the commission’s executive secretary.

Father Hurtado (1901-1952) is one of the most distinguished figures in the history of the Catholic Church in Chile.

As a young lawyer, Alberto Hurtado entered the Society of Jesus. He received his formation in Argentina, Spain and Belgium. He obtained a doctorate in education and psychology.

After priestly ordination, he returned to Chile, where he dedicated himself to teaching and the apostolate among young people. He was an assistant of Catholic Action.

Father Hurtado was also dedicated to the service of the marginalized in society, and founded the Home of Christ to help the homeless poor, the Chilean Labor Union Action, and the Mensaje review. He was beatified in 1994.

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