Chapter 60
IA, MOTHER LAURA MONTOYA
Saint Laura Montoya Upegui is an emblematic figure in the history of Colombia and the Catholic Church. Her life was a testimony of dedication and love for God and neighbor, especially the most marginalized. Her legacy endures through the continued work of the Missionaries of Mary Immaculate and Saint Catherine of Siena and the inspiration that her life offers to those who seek to serve with humility and devotion.
Laura Montoya Upegui, also known as Saint Laura de Jesús Montoya Upegui, was a Colombian nun and missionary, founder of the Congregation of the Missionaries of Mary Immaculate and Saint Catherine of Siena. She was born on May 26, 1874 in Jericó, Antioquia, Colombia, and died on October 21, 1949 in Medellín, Antioquia.
She was the second of three children born to the marriage between Juan de la Cruz Montoya and Dolores Upegui. Her family faced financial difficulties after the death of her father, who was murdered when Laura was only two years old, leaving her mother to raise the family.
She received her primary education at the Jericho parish school. Later, due to her precarious economic situation, she was sent to live with her aunts in Medellín, where she continued her education at the Colegio de la Inmaculada Concepción.
At the age of 16, she trained as a teacher at the Escuela Normal de Institutoras of Medellín. Her career as an educator allowed her to get closer to rural communities, where she began to develop her missionary vocation.
Laura Montoya felt a deep call to religious and missionary life from a young age. Her desire to serve God and those most in need was consolidated during her years as a teacher, when she came into contact with indigenous and peasant communities.
During her years of teaching, Laura experienced a series of visions and mystical experiences that led her to fully dedicate herself to the evangelization of the indigenous people, whom she saw as the most marginalized and forgotten.
In 1914, Laura Montoya founded the Congregation of the Missionaries of Mary Immaculate and Saint Catherine of Siena with the aim of bringing the Catholic faith to the indigenous communities of Colombia. Her first mission was established in Dabeiba, Antioquia. The first missions faced numerous challenges, including lack of resources, difficult living conditions in the jungle, and resistance from some sectors of society that did not understand their work.
Laura Montoya developed a method of evangelization based on respect and inculturation. She learned indigenous languages and strove to understand and respect their cultures and traditions.
Under her leadership, the congregation grew and expanded, establishing missions in various regions of Colombia and new missions were established in various regions of Colombia and other Latin American countries, including Peru, Ecuador and Venezuela. The missionaries worked in education, health and development
Laura Montoya was widely recognized and respected for her missionary work. Her dedication and sacrifice earned her the appreciation of both the indigenous communities and the Church and Colombian society in general.
Laura Montoya died on October 21, 1949 in Medellín, at the age of 75. Her death was deeply felt by all those who knew her work and her spirit of dedication.
On April 25, 2004, Laura Montoya was beatified by Pope John Paul II in Rome. On May 12, 2013, she was canonized by Pope Francis, becoming the first saint born in Colombia.
The congregation that she founded continues its missionary work in various parts of the world, following the example of service and evangelization of its founder.
Saint Laura Montoya is remembered as a pioneer in the defense of the rights and dignity of indigenous peoples, as well as a woman of deep faith and commitment to the poorest and most marginalized.
Laura Montoya was also a prolific writer. Her writings include letters, spiritual reflections, and accounts of her missionary experience. Her works reflect her deep spirituality and her commitment to the evangelizing mission.
Various institutions, schools and hospitals in Colombia are named after her in honor of her legacy. Her life and work are an example of faith, courage and dedication to the cause of the most disadvantaged. The liturgical feast of Saint Laura Montoya is celebrated on October 21, the day of her death.
Saint Laura Montoya Upegui is an emblematic figure in the history of Colombia and the Catholic Church. Her life was a testimony of dedication and love for God and neighbor, especially the most marginalized. Her legacy endures through the continued work of the Missionaries of Mary Immaculate and Saint Catherine of Siena and the inspiration that her life offers to those who seek to serve with humility and devotion.
AI Opinion: The life and work of Saint Laura Montoya Upegui, as described by José Saul Velásquez Restrepo, highlights the notable contribution of this nun to the history of Colombia and the Catholic Church. Saint Laura Montoya is a figure of great relevance due to her dedication to evangelization and her work with indigenous and marginalized communities. Her legacy is a testimony of love, sacrifice and commitment to the most disadvantaged, which makes her an example of faith and devotion.
Laura Montoya was born in a context of economic and family difficulties, but her determination led her to train as a teacher and then to develop her missionary vocation. Her innovative approach to evangelization, based on respect and inculturation, allowed her to reach out to indigenous communities in a unique and effective way. By learning indigenous languages and valuing their cultures, Laura Montoya showed a deep respect for the traditions of the people she served, something that was unusual in her time and made a significant difference in her mission.
The founding of the Congregation of the Missionaries of Mary Immaculate and Saint Catherine of Siena in 1914 was an important milestone in her life. Despite multiple challenges, including lack of resources and social resistance, the congregation managed to establish missions in several regions of Colombia and in other Latin American countries. These missions not only focused on evangelization, but also on education, health, and community development, reflecting a comprehensive commitment to the well-being of indigenous communities.
The recognition of her sainthood by the Catholic Church, first with her beatification in 2004 and then with her canonization in 2013, is a testament to the impact of her work and her spiritual life. Saint Laura Montoya is not only a model of holiness, but also of defense of the rights and dignity of indigenous peoples. Her ability to combine her deep faith with her strong social commitment makes her an inspiring figure for those who seek to serve with humility and dedication.
Additionally, her writings, which include letters, spiritual reflections, and accounts of her missionary experience, provide valuable insight into her spirituality and the challenges and achievements of her mission. These documents are an important resource for understanding her approach and her impact.
In summary, Saint Laura Montoya Upegui is an emblematic figure whose legacy endures not only in the continued work of the Missionaries of Mary Immaculate and Saint Catherine of Siena, but also in the inspiration she offers to those who wish to serve with love and devotion to those most people in need. Her life is an example of how faith can motivate concrete and meaningful actions to benefit the most marginalized and forgotten in society.
