Laura of Saint Catherine of Siena

Feeling a missionary call, Laura decided to evangelize the indigenous populations of Colombia. In May 1914, supported by Bishop Maximiliano Crespo Rivera, she settled in Dabeiba among the Embera-Chamí indigenous people. There, she founded the Congregation of the Missionary Sisters of Mary Immaculate and Saint Catherine of Siena (the "Laurites"), established in 1916. She made her perpetual vows in 1924 under the name Sister Laura of Saint Catherine of Siena. Her innovative approach, respectful of indigenous culture, drew criticism. Despite the illness that paralyzed her for the last nine years of her life, she led her congregation until her death on October 21, 1949, in Belencito.

The cause for the beatification and canonization of Laura Montoya opened in Medellín on June 24, 1963. After the closure of the diocesan inquiry in 1977, the file was examined in Rome. On January 22, 1991, Pope John Paul II signed the decree recognizing the heroic nature of her virtues, granting her the title of Venerable.

Her beatification was made possible by the unexplained healing in 1994 of Herminia González, who was suffering from uterine cancer. The miracle was recognized in 2003, and she was beatified on April 25, 2004, by John Paul II. Her canonization followed the healing of Dr. Carlos Eduardo Restrepo from an esophageal perforation and severe mediastinitis. Pope Benedict XVI approved this miracle in 2012. She was canonized by Pope Francis on May 12, 2013, becoming the first saint of Colombia.

The spirituality of Saint Laura unites mystical contemplation and missionary action, centered on the Eucharist and love for the Church. Her legacy is based on respect for indigenous cultures. Today, the Missionary Sisters of Mother Laura continue her work of evangelization and education in 19 countries around the world.