Chile Under Pinochet
In the shadow of Chile's political upheaval following the 1973 coup led by Augusto Pinochet, a profound story of faith and courage emerged. As the nation grappled with fear and repression, the Church found itself at a crossroads. Initially, many Catholic leaders endorsed the new regime, but soon voices of resistance rose from within.
A Priest Among the Workers
Among these voices was Joan Alsina Hurtos, a Spanish Catholic priest who arrived in Chile in 1968. Deeply committed to the working class, Alsina lived among them, sharing their struggles and hopes. "I am no longer simply the priest," he once said, "I am the man who fights alongside them." His life was an embodiment of faith and solidarity.
Arrest and Martyrdom
On September 19, 1973, Alsina's dedication to the people led to his arrest by the military. He was tortured and interrogated, yet his faith remained unshaken. Taken to the Puente Bulnes bridge for execution, Alsina displayed extraordinary grace. He requested to face his executioner, saying, "Please, do not blindfold me, shoot me from the front so that I can see you and forgive you." His final act was one of forgiveness and courage.
An Enduring Legacy
Alsina's death was not in vain. His legacy lives on as a symbol of resistance against oppression and a testament to the power of faith. Every year, a Mass is held at the Puente Bulnes memorial to honor his sacrifice. His story, alongside the efforts of the Vicariate of Solidarity—established by Cardinal Raúl Silva Henríquez to protect human rights—demonstrates the Church's eventual role as a counterweight to dictatorship.
In the face of persecution, Joan Alsina's life and death remind us of the transformative power of forgiveness and faith. His sacrifice, and the stories of others like him, urge us to remember, act, and ensure that such atrocities never occur again.
