Saint Laura Montoya y Upegui – First Colombian Saint and Missionary

ST. LAURA MONTOYA Y UPEGUI

Saint Laura Montoya y Upegui, born in 1874 in Jericó, Colombia, was a Roman Catholic religious sister and the founder of the Congregation of the Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Virgin Mary and Saint Catherine of Siena. She dedicated her life to serving Indigenous communities in Colombia, advocating for their rights and education. Canonized in 2013 by Pope Francis, she is the first Colombian saint and is remembered for her deep spirituality and commitment to social justice.

María Laura de Jesús Montoya Upegui was born on May 26, 1874, in Jericó, Antioquia, Colombia, to Juan de la Cruz Montoya and Dolores Upegui. Her father was killed when she was just two years old, leaving her family in poverty. Raised by her mother, Laura developed a strong Christian faith and a deep sense of compassion. At the age of 16, she became a teacher to support her family, despite having no formal education.In 1914, with the support of Bishop Maximiliano Crespo, she founded the Congregation of the Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Virgin Mary and Saint Catherine of Siena. This religious community focused on serving Indigenous peoples in Colombia, particularly the Emberá Katíos in Dabeiba. Laura and her companions faced criticism and skepticism from both civil and religious authorities, but they remained steadfast in their missionThroughout her life, Laura emphasized the "pedagogy of love," believing that genuine education and evangelization must be rooted in respect and understanding of the people's culture and dignity. She wrote extensively, including her autobiography titled "Historia de la Misericordia de Dios en un alma," to inspire and guide her fellow missionaries.Despite suffering from a debilitating illness in her later years, Laura continued her work, teaching and guiding others from a wheelchair. She passed away on October 21, 1949, in Medellín, Colombia. Her beatification process began in 1976, and she was beatified by Pope John Paul II in 2004. On May 12, 2013, Pope Francis canonized her as a saint, making her the first Colombian to be canonized.

Today, the Missionary Sisters continue her work in 19 countries across America, Africa, and Europe, embodying her legacy of love, service, and dedication to the marginalized.

Feast Day

21-10-

Birth Date

26-5-1874

Died Date

21-10-1949

Canonised Date

12-5-2013

Medellín, Colombia

"Destroy me, O Lord, and upon my ruins build a monument to your glory."
ST. LAURA MONTOYA Y UPEGUI

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ST. LAURA MONTOYA Y UPEGUI

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