Martyr of Abuse

A smaller peg to represent her youth

We might not even know today's saint if her family continued to live the noble life that they were accustomed to living.  However, life does not always go the way one hopes they will.  We can learn much from the way this young saint dealt with her tragic life made holy.

Laura Vicuna

Feast day: January 22
Birth: 1891
Death: 1904
Patron of abuse victims, Argentina, incest victims, loss of parents, martyrs

Shortly after Laura was born, her noble family (parents and a sister) had to flee from their country due to a civil war.  Her father used to a life of ease had to labor for their needs and soon died from an illness.  Her mother was determined that her daughters would be educated and moved to Argentina to work at a hostel.  The owner promised to have the girls educated if the mother would become his mistress.  This was a sad state for her mother but she felt like she had no choice.

Laura soon entered school under the protection of the nuns at Daughters of Mary Help of Christians School.  It was at this time that Laura fell in love with the faith and had a desire to please God.  It was at her First Communion in 1901 that she also professed her desire to become a nun.  She had a desire to serve the poor and needy, and also to die sinless.  She would spend many hours in prayer in the school's chapel.

Laura also prayed every day for her mother's salvation and for her to leave her position.  When she visited her mother during breaks the man would treat her badly.  He would often beat her and try to convince her to not become a nun.  He also refused to continue paying for her education but the nuns allowed her to remain with a scholarship.

As time passed she became seriously ill with pulmonary tuberculosis. Before she died, Laura told her mother: “Mama, I offer my life for you, I asked our Lord for this. Before I die, Mother, would I have the joy of seeing you repent?” Mercedes answered: “I swear, I will do whatever you ask me! God is the witness of my promise!" Laura smiled and said to: "Thank you, Jesus! Thank you, Mary! Goodbye, Mother! Now I die happy!" On January 22, 1904, Laura died of her disease, weakened by the physical abuse she previously received.

One of her famous sayings is "Suffer silently and smile always"