Edited from articles by XX (Province of Peru)

As we celebrate on September 26, the Feast Day of Beata María Agustina Rivas López, affectionately known as Aguchita, the community of La Florida, Peru, came alive with faith, gratitude, and the enduring memory of a woman whose life and martyrdom continue to bear fruit among her people.

A Joyful Youth Pilgrimage of Hope

The celebrations began on September 19, when over 200 young pilgrims from the Vicariate of San Ramón were warmly received at the Shrine of Santa Rosa and Blessed Aguchita in La Florida for the Youth Jubilee Celebration. Under the theme “Hand in hand with Aguchita, we are young witnesses of hope,” the event invited young people to rediscover the strength of faith and the courage to live as witnesses of the Good Shepherd in today’s world.

Pilgrims participated in group activities, a formation session about Aguchita’s life, the moving Ceremony of Light, and song and dance performances.

The following day, September 20, over 800 pilgrims began the Route of the Martyrdom of Aguchita, carrying her image and relic in procession. Along the way, those gathered sang, prayed, and told stories to celebrate her life and legacy. The journey culminated in a Eucharistic celebration, confession, and Adoration of the Blessed Sacrament.

The Triduum in Honor of Aguchita

From September 23 to 25, the faithful gathered for a Triduum of reflection and preparation leading up to Aguchita’s Feast Day. Each day offered a spiritual theme inspired by Aguchita’s example: “The holiness of the neighbor next door”, “Whoever wants to be great should make himself small”, and “Death is not improvised.”

These reflections deepened the community’s understanding of the humble service that marked Aguchita’s mission among the Asháninka people of the Peruvian jungle. Many who had known her personally and who were present on the day of her martyrdom were in attendance.

Feast of the Blessed Martyr Aguchita – September 26

The Solemn Feast was celebrated at the Shrine in La Florida, attended by local residents and pilgrims from Lima and Puerto Yurinaki. The faithful prayed that, following Aguchita’s example, consecrated men and women may continue to live and proclaim the Gospel with simplicity and courage. They also invoked her intercession to help all become artisans of peace with justice — a theme close to her heart.

Remembering Her Martyrdom – September 27

The commemorations concluded with a solemn pilgrimage to the cemetery of La Florida, where Aguchita and her six companions—Efigenia, Jesusa, Juan, Luis, Herber, and Pedro—rest in peace. Candles were lit, songs were sung, and prayers were offered in remembrance of their sacrifice during the years of violence that scarred Peru’s history.

During the Mass that followed, the families of the martyrs presented lit candles before their portraits, representing thousands of innocent lives lost to subversive violence. The celebration became a call to forgiveness, reconciliation, and the hope of resurrection — a testimony that faith and love are stronger than hatred and death.

Aguchita Lives On

Aguchita’s legacy continues to flourish among her people — in the laughter of the young pilgrims, the prayers of the faithful, and the daily lives of those who work for peace and justice. Her humble example invites us all to live the Gospel with simplicity and compassion, transforming the ordinary into a path of holiness.

As we honor her Feast Day, we echo the words often heard in La Florida: "Aguchita continues to live in the midst of her people.”