26 August - Zefferino Namuncurá was born on 26 August 1886 in Chimpay, in a traditional Mapuche family. His father, one of the last leaders of his people, had to surrender to the Argentinean Republican troops three years before Zefferino's birth.

At the age of 11, his father sent him to study in Buenos Aires, at the Salesian College. He had to make a great deal of effort to integrate into a society that was unknown to him at the time. Attracted by Salesian spirituality, he found his vocation in the priesthood. In the college, he was an example to his companions. His piety and taste for work set him apart from the others.

Noticed by the Apostolic Vicar of Northern Patagonia, Bishop Cagliero, he encouraged Zefferino to begin more in-depth studies in preparation for the priesthood. On his advice, he left for Italy in 1904 and entered the Salesian College of Villa Saura in Frascati.

Less than a year after his arrival in Italy, he was diagnosed with tuberculosis, certainly due to the sudden change in climate. Despite his illness, he continued his studies for the priesthood with determination, but his illness worsened and he died on 11 May 1905. At his death, the admiration he was held in high esteem turned to veneration. His remains were repatriated to Argentina in 1924 and lie in the Sanctuary of Mary Help of Christians in Fortín Mercedes.

The opening of the cause for beatification took place in 1944. On June 22nd 1972, Pope Paul VI granted her the title of Venerable. He was declared Blessed by Pope Benedict XVI in July 2007 and the beatification ceremony was celebrated in Chimpay by Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone on the following 11th November.