From the Vatican, they did not hesitate to name our blessed one and highlight her work in native communities and her devotion to helping others.
Our Blessed Agustina Rivas, known as Aguchita, was praised by Pope Francis for her nobility, love, and especially her dedication to religion throughout her career with God. “Her dedication to the poor, and especially to indigenous women, even though she knew her life was in danger,” stated the Supreme Pontiff.
“Yesterday in Peru, Sister María Agostina Rivas López was beatified, murdered out of hatred for the faith. This heroic missionary, even knowing she risked her life, remained close to the poor, especially the indigenous women, bearing witness to the Gospel of justice and peace,” expressed Francis after the Regina Coeli prayer in St. Peter’s Square.
Francis urged “that her example may inspire in all of us the desire to follow Christ.”
PERUVIAN BLESSED
Aguchita was proclaimed blessed in a Eucharistic celebration on Saturday, May 6, in the jungle community of La Florida, district of Perené, province of Chanchamayo, the same place where she was murdered by the terrorist organization Shining Path in 1990.
After serving in Barrios Altos and Salamanca, the young religious was sent to the jungle in 1987 to continue her work. “She had a great admiration for creation, viewing the Earth as an ally of humanity. She created fraternity around the table,” noted Monsignor Gerardo Zerdin, Bishop of San Ramón, who highlighted Aguchita’s commitment to the community and her work in defending the Asháninka people.