(1874-1949) The first Colombian-born saint, Laura Montoya, was sent to live with her grandparents when she was two after her father was killed in the Colombian Civil War and the family was left destitute. At 16, she was trained to be a teacher so she could help the family earn some money. Laura felt called to religious life and dreamed of being a Carmelite, but instead became a missionary to serve the poor and share Jesus with the natives of South America. Those who knew her said she always displayed a sense of humor. Laura founded the Missionaries of Mary Immaculate and Saint Catherine of Siena and worked to destroy racial discrimination.
Saint Laura had a desire to “win over” converts for Jesus. The 11th Tradition states that “our public relations policy is based on attraction rather than promotion.” Her authentic love for Christ and genuine care for the “Indian” gave her access to their heart and culture. Do we show genuine care to the newcomer or those in need of our message, teaching by our example of love and not just words?
“Two thirsty people, my Jesus: you for souls, and I for quenching your thirst. What is stopping us then?” (Saint Laura Montoya).
Reflection by Brad Farmer