1. Laura Montoya, in full Maria Laura de Jesus Montoya Upegui, religious name Laura of Saint Catherine of Siena, was a Colombian Roman Catholic religious sister and the founder of the Congregation of the Missionary Sisters of the Immaculate Virgin Mary and Saint Catherine of Siena.
Laura Montoya was well known for her work with Indigenous peoples and for acting as a strong role model for South American girls.
Maria Laura de Jesus Montoya Upegui was born on 26 May 1874 in Jerico in the United States of Colombia as the second of three children to Juan de la Cruz Montoya and Dolores Upegui; she was baptized that same day.
Laura Montoya's siblings were older sister Carmelina and younger brother Juan de la Cruz; a maternal cousin was Luisa Upegui.
Laura Montoya wanted to become a Discalced Carmelite, but felt growing within her the desire to spread the Gospel to those who had never met Jesus Christ.
Laura Montoya wanted to eliminate the existing racial discrimination and to sacrifice herself in order to bring them Christ's love and teachings.
Laura Montoya left Medellin with four other women and went to Dabeiba to live among the native Indians.
Laura Montoya died after a prolonged illness on 21 October 1949 in Medellin, in Colombia.
The process for Laura Montoya's beatification lasted 16 August 1976 to 19 December 1977.
Laura Montoya was titled as a Servant of God under Pope Paul VI on 5 April 1976 with the formal introduction of the cause.
Laura Montoya became titled as Venerable on 22 January 1991 after Pope John Paul II confirmed that the late religious led a model life of heroic virtue.
The miracle attributed to Laura Montoya's intercession was approved by John Paul II on 7 July 2003.
Laura Montoya beatified her on 25 April 2004 in Saint Peter's Square.
The postulator at the time of Laura Montoya's canonization was Silvia Monica Correale.