The Jesuit Student

Alberto’s joy on having finally entered the novitiate is well expressed in a letter to his inseparable friend: “Dear Manuel, Here you have me, finally a Jesuit, as happy and content as one can be on this earth: I overflow with joy and never tire of giving thanks to our Lord because he has led me to this real paradise, where one can dedicate oneself to Him twenty-four hours a day. You can understand the state of my soul these days when I tell you that I have almost wept for joy.”

The initial part of his formation was carried out in Chillan in the midst of spiritual retreats and humble service in domestic labors. Later he was sent to Argentina to complete his novitiate and take his religious vows on August 15, 1925. His availability and willingness to serve were reflected in his remembered habit of asking for humble kitchen jobs. Between the years 1927 and 1931, he studied philosophy and began his theological studies in Sarria, Barcelona. A Jesuit priest who knew him well in those days remembers him as: “very self sacrificing and charitable, a hard worker, zealous for the glory of God and the good of his neighbor and all of this grounded in his deep spirituality, his union with God and reverent devotion, principally to the Holy Virgin.” Because of social turbulence in Spain, he was forced to continue his theological studies in the Catholic University of Louvain, one of the most prestigious in the world.

His writings during this period reflect his sincere efforts to advance in holiness: he took very seriously his formation, prayer and studies and made earnest efforts to advance in virtue, for example avoiding criticism of others, developing affable, friendly relationships and emphasizing the virtues of others. In his personal notes he wrote: “Do not criticize my brothers, hide their defects, celebrate their qualities. Always speak well of superiors and their decisions. Speak well of my brothers, excuse their defects, and emphasize their qualities.”

One of his fellow students in formation wrote: “Being with him was enjoyable as he made you feel so comfortable. He gave his full attention to his companions. He breathed in a faith-filled atmosphere and despite constant self-denial and devotion to his studies. He was deeply charitable, always ready to help with a charming smile.” Another remembers: “He was very congenial and had a great gift for friendship which made it easy to get along with him, he was simple and modest. One testimony beautifully portrays his character: “His quick smile and inquiring gaze seemed, in an indefinable way, to urge one to higher things… His smile gave the impression that he was looking into my soul and was anxious to see me do bigger and better things for the Lord.”

The Belgian Jesuit Fr. Arts gives us a particularly eloquent testimony: “Fr. Hurtado had the temperament of a martyr; I am convinced that he offered himself as a victim for the salvation of his people and particularly for the working class of America. I came to know him during our theological studies at Louvain. I was impressed and edified above all by his ardent and attentive charity, resplendent with joy and enthusiasm. In those days he consumed himself with ardor and zeal. Always ready to enliven the group and make others happy. ¡How he loved his country and his people and this love was the source of profound suffering for him. I saw him again at the Versailles Congress in 1947. His was the same bright flame: consumed in the interior fire of his love for Christ and his people. My dear Friend was a unique soul of rare quality, in short: a saint; a martyr of the love of Christ and souls.”

A priest of Christ

On August 24, 1933, he was ordained a priest. At his first Mass, his inseparable friend and future provincial, Fr. Alvaro Lavín, accompanied him. After his ordination he wrote to a friend: “Here you have me, a priest of the Lord! I am sure that you will understand my great joy. With all sincerity I can tell you that I am completely happy. I desire nothing more than to live out my ministry with all the fullness of my inner life and my outer activities.”

These years saw his dedication to the founding of the Faculty of Theology at the Catholic University of Chile. The exhausting labor of literally creating the faculty by searching for books, journals, and even more importantly, professors, was clear proof of his appreciation for serious study and his desire to prepare men capable of carrying out an apostolate among intellectuals. In December of 1934 Bishop Casanueva expressed his gratitude in these terms: “The immense gratitude I owe you for your earnest and sacrificial labors, so intelligent, wise and loving, I can never repay, only God can truly reward you; after God and the person who has established this foundation, the Faculty of Theology owes most to you.” These expressions of gratitude were repeated once again in the Rector’s discourse at the official founding of the Faculty of Theology.

It was on May 24, 1934 that he completed his theological studies. The president of the commission that approved him was Fr. Janssens, the future Superior General of the Society of Jesus who later commented: “During my many years as superior I have never seen a soul radiate greater apostolic energy than that of Fr. Hurtado.” Between 1934 and 1935 he completed his formation and on October 10, sat for the final exam required for a degree in the Pedagogical Sciences at the University of Louvain. Having presented his thesis: The Dewey pedagogical system vis a vis the demands of Catholic doctrine, it was approved avec grande distinction.

Before returning to Chile, he traveled to several European countries for the purpose of studying their educational systems. Then, on January 22, 1936, his thirty-fifth birthday, he left Hamburg at ten in the morning, for the long voyage home.