Montserrat Grases García, affectionately known as Montse, was born on July 10, 1941, in Barcelona, Spain, as the second of nine children in a devout Catholic family. Her parents fostered an environment of sincere faith and respect for freedom, which profoundly influenced her upbringing. Montse was known for her lively and spontaneous personality, enjoying activities such as sports, music, traditional Catalan dances like the "sardana," and participating in plays.

In 1957, at the age of 16, Montse felt a calling to deepen her spiritual commitment and sought admission to Opus Dei, an institution dedicated to finding holiness in everyday life. She continued her education at the Professional School for Women in Barcelona, balancing her studies with her growing spiritual devotion. However, in June 1958, Montse was diagnosed with Ewing's sarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of bone cancer affecting her femur. Despite enduring intense pain and undergoing 30 sessions of radiotherapy, she maintained an unwavering faith and a contagiously joyful demeanor, offering her suffering for the Church and the Pope. ‍

Montse's serene acceptance of her illness and her dedication to her faith left a profound impact on those around her. She passed away peacefully on March 26, 1959, in Barcelona, expressing her love for the Virgin Mary in her final moments. Recognizing her heroic virtues, Pope Francis declared Montse Venerable on April 26, 2016.