On August 18th, as part of the celebrations for Saint Alberto Hurtado, a priest of the Society of Jesus, thousands of young Chileans will take part in a pilgrimage in his honour. The Chilean Saint, along with Italian Saints Felice da Nicosia and Gaetano Catanoso and two Polish Saints, was canonised by Benedict XVI on October 23rd 2005. On that occasion, the Pope pointed out "his generosity in giving himself up totally, his devotion to and his service for the poor", which led him to found "El Hogar de Cristo" (Christ’s House) to give shelter to the homeless, especially children. Over 850 thousand children live in the "Houses" founded by the Saint all over the country. Born in 1901 and dead in 1952, Saint Alberto Hurtado is the most important expression of Chilean solidarity; that’s why the Chilean Parliament launched the "Day of Solidarity" on August 18th. On the occasion, president Michelle Bachelet will visit the Saint’s grave. The "Walk of Solidarity" will be held in the afternoon, and the Mass of Saint Alberto will be officiated in front of the sanctuary at eight pm. This year, the Provincial of the Society of Jesus, Father Eugenio Valenzuela, will attend Mass too.
