Prayer to have a joyful soul

From Padre Hurtado, a beloved Chilean saint

St. Alberto Hurtado (1901-1952) was canonized by Benedict XVI in 2005. His feast was this week (Aug. 18, the anniversary of his death).

Though not yet well known in English-speaking countries, this Chilean Jesuit priest is much beloved in South America. He is the second Chilean to be canonized (after St. Teresa of the Andes).

Padre Hurtado, as he is known with affection, founded the Hogar de Cristo (House of Christ) foundation.

This prayer is displayed beside one of his relics in Mendoza, Argentina.

Lord, there are so many who suffer In today’s world And so few who know To forget their sorrow. I want to be Light Reflecting your Lamp And good leaven To raise up souls. I thank you Lord Because you have risen from the dead. And you put to death in my soul The anguish of sin. If you ask my life, I want to give it to you content. If you don’t want me to die, I want to live smiling. I want to laugh, I want to dream, I want to give to everyone The joy of loving.