St. Laura Montoya y Upegui (Feast Day October 21)

May 26, 1874-October 21, 1949

Laura was born in Colombia in 1874. When she was two years old, her father was killed in the Colombian Civil War, leaving Laura's family to live in destitution. Despite the challenges she faced growing up in poverty, Laura found consolation in reading the Bible and in the Eucharist. At the age of 16, Laura trained to become a teacher so she could help support her family financially. Around this time, she started to sense that the Lord was calling her to become a cloistered nun, but also to work as a missionary.

When she was 35, Laura answered the call, and went to live in the Colombian jungle, serving the indigenous people living there. She and four other women founded the Missionaries of Mary Immaculate and St. Catherine of Siena. Mother Laura and other members of the religious order were ridiculed for their work in the jungle. The indigenous people of Colombia were considered nothing more than "wild beasts" and the Christian people in the area laughed at Mother Laura's efforts. Still, she continued to serve the indigenous communities, bringing them the Good News of Christ's love and hope, for the remainder of her life.

Mother Laura died in 1946, after a long and painful illness that left her confined to a wheelchair for the last nine years of her life. Even from her wheelchair, she continued to teach and work in the jungles. Today, the Missionaries of Mary Immaculate and St. Catherine of Siena work in 19 countries. St. Laura Montoya is the patroness of people who suffer racial discrimination and of the people of Colombia. She was canonized a saint in 2013 by Pope Francis.

• The woman in today's Gospel story was caught doing something wrong. How do you think she felt when the leaders brought her to Jesus?

• What lesson is Jesus trying to teach the scribes and Pharisees? How does this lesson apply to us?

• Jesus forgives the woman and tells her to sin no more. Do you think the woman changed her ways after she encountered Jesus' mercy? Why or why not?

• St. Laura Montoya served the indigenous people even though others did not see them as important. Is it difficult to stand up for those who are looked down upon? Why or why not?

Extended Family Day

Spend time as a family, Colombian style, in honor of St. Laura Montoya

Sundays for Colombians are "family days." A typical Sunday for most families includes having breakfast, lunch and/or dinner together and doing an activity together, like watching a movie, going to the park, going out to a restaurant, or playing Colombian games.

For some other families, there is also the sacred "frijolada," a big lunch (with beans) hosted at the grandparents' house, where all the extended family gets together, eats, and catches up. For others, there is the "chocolatada." where people get together in the afternoon, around 4-5 p.m., and drink hot chocolate with a variety of bread and cheeses. Colombians always get together around homemade food, music, and drinks.

Invite grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins over for a meal and games. Consider serving hot chocolate and the Recipe of the Week. Afterward, play some toss games or board games as a family.

Pandebono (Colombian Cheese Bread)

St. Laura Montoya grew up and ministered in Colombia. Try this easy bread recipe from Colombia in honor of our saint of the week.

2 cups of cassava flour (yuca, mandioca or tapioca flour)
¼ cup corn flour
1 - 1 ½ cups Colombian quesito or Mexican queso fresco
1 cup Feta cheese
1 large egg
1 tsp baking powder
1 tsp sugar
1 to 1 ½ tsp salt
(optional) milk

Preheat oven to 425 F and grease a cookie sheet. Blend the cassava flour, corn flour, baking powder, sugar, and cheeses. Once blended, add the egg. Mix until smooth. If needed, add milk to help the dough come together. Form dough into balls about the size of a golf ball. Place on the cookie sheet and cook 17 to 20 minutes, or until top is golden. Eat as soon as they are cool enough to hold.

Run to the Father

As a family, listen to the song "Run to the Father" by Matt Maher, Cody Carnes, and Ran Jackson. Reflect on the lyrics, what they mean to you, and how they relate to today's Gospel.

The priest is guided by a large red book called the Roman Missal. 

How many times does he read from this book during Mass?

Jesus forgives the woman in today's Gospel. 

This week, forgive someone who has wronged you, whether they are sorry or not.

Some religious brothers and sisters are active in the world, and others are cloistered. Individuals who are members of a cloistered order do not interact with others outside of their convent/monastery. They are called to spend their life hidden from the world for the sake of intimacy with God and prayer on behalf of others.