Ø Colombian
nun, First Saint From Colombia
Ø Known for her
defense of Indian rights
Ø Founded the
Works of the Indians
Ø Foundress of
Congregation of Missionary Sisters of Immaculate Mary
Ø Foundress of
Congregation Saint Catherine of Siena
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Born
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On 26th May 1874 in Jerico, Antioquía, Colombia
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Died
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On 21st October 1949 in Medellín, Colombia of natural
causes
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Beatified
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On 25th April 2004 by Pope John Paul II
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Canonized
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On 12th May 2013 by Pope Francis
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Feast
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21st October
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Laura Montoya Upegui was born
on 26 May 1874 in Jericó, Antioquia, Colombia, the second of three children
to Juan de la Crux Montoya and Dolores Upegui.
When Laura was only 2 years
old, her father was killed defending his Country, and the family was left in
extreme poverty after all their goods were confiscated. At such a time of
deep misery and loss, Laura's mother gave an example of Christian forgiveness
and fortitude that would remain impressed in her young daughter's mind and
heart forever.
As a
young woman, Laura became an elementary schoolteacher to help support her
widowed mother. Laura began teaching in different parts of Antioquia. She did
not limit herself to educating the students simply in academic knowledge, but
sought to diffuse Gospel teaching and values.
Having
developed her spiritual life through devotion to the Eucharist and meditation
upon the Scriptures, Laura felt drawn to the religious life of the Discalced
Carmelites. Yet her zeal also instilled in her a longing for an active,
missionary apostolate, particularly to assist the Indian peoples of South
America. Laura was determined to combat the anti-Indian bigotry in her
society, and to give her own life to the Indians’ evangelization.
Finally,
at the age of forty, having resolved to “become an Indian with the Indians to
win them all for Christ,” Laura journeyed to Dabeiba with four other women to
begin a religious congregation devoted to the service of the Indians, the
Missionaries of Mary Immaculate and Saint Catherine of Siena. As mother
superior, she imparted to the congregation a rule that combined contemplation
with action.
Mother Laura died on 21 October 1949 in
Medellín, after a long and painful illness. The last nine years of her life
were lived in a wheelchair, where she continued to teach by example, word and
writing. Today her Missionary Sisters work in 19 countries throughout
America, Africa and Europe. Canonized On 12th
May 2013 by Pope Francis
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