From an early age, St. Alberto already knew how it was to be poor and to be at the mercy of others. His father died when he was four years old and his mother had to sell all they had to pay the family's debts. This forced them to live with relatives. It was a challenge made even more difficult when his family had to transfer from one relative to another because their relatives could not help them anymore. If not for a scholarship, he could have not finished his education at the Jesuit College in Santiago, Chile. And while in school, St. Alberto did not just bury himself in books. He spent his Sunday afternoons with the poor in his neighborhood. 

He wanted to join the Jesuits right after completing his secondary education, but he had to postpone his plans because of the need to support his mother and brother. He studied and worked at the same time. And despite his busy schedule, he continued to spend his Sunday afternoons with the poor. 

After finishing law, he joined the Society in 1923 and was ordained a priest in 1933. He was a professor to future teachers, a spiritual director to many young men, a formator to the laity, a promoter of the labor movement and the founder of El Hogar de Cristo, a home to many poor and homeless. He did not spend only his Sunday afternoons with the poor; he devoted the rest of his life to them.

Padre Hurtado, as the people fondly called him, died on August 18, 1952 after a battle with pancreatic cancer. He was beatified by Pope John Paul II on October 16, 1994.

I first read about St. Alberto Hurtado when I was in the novitiate. I was so touched and inspired by his story that I desired to follow his example. I even chose his name to be my vow name when I professed my perpetual vows a year ago. For me, his life is an example of how it is to be a person-for-others.

In Padre Hurtado, I see a man who is selfless in giving himself to others. His poverty did not stop him from giving himself to the poor. He could have chosen a career in law, but instead he chose to continue to live a life of poverty and service all for the love of God, a love lived out through the poor. 

I also see a man who is not afraid to change other people's views and beliefs. He challenged others to help the poor in his country. This led to the establishment of an institution that up to this day continues to make a difference in the lives of many people and continues to make God’s loving presence felt.

I also see a man brimming with charisma and animated by his vision. Aside from providing shelter for the homeless, he established a union that shaped the labor movement of his country. And through his words and deeds, he inspired many vocations in the Church, encouraged people to hope, and challenged others to give. 

After a year of being a vowed Jesuit, I realize that the kind of life that Padre Hurtado lived is not easy. Being a person-for-others is more than just being there for others. It takes a lot of selflessness, courage, and vision. When moments come when I experience difficulties in my vocation, I remind myself of Padre Hurtado's life. I cannot but be inspired and be grateful for persons like him who make a difference in the world.

As I strive to become a good Jesuit scholastic, I pray that I be given the graces of selflessness, courage, and vision so that I can emulate Padre Hurtado and become a person for others.