Juan Vicente Córdoba, Secretary General of the Colombian Episcopal Conference, announced that the Catholic Church would seek parishioners in shopping centers, placing parishes in these commercial establishments. 4 Mariano de Jesus Euse Hoyos (the "father Marianito") and 7 religious of San Juan de Dios were beatified while Mother Laura Montoya, founder of the Missionaries of Mary Immaculate and St. Catherine of Siena ("Lauritas"), was canonized. Influence Catholicism wielded a strong influence on public opinion and government affairs. The Church influences various fields and institutions, including: Military and Police–The Bishopric of Colombia Castrense serves exclusively as staff diocese to active and retired staff and family members of the Colombian Armed Forces and the National Police. The Apostolic Nunciature–the embassy of the Holy See in the country. The faithful–representing about 90% of the population. Churches–land acquisition and construction The Concordat with the Holy See came into force in 1886; the Constitutional Court enforced some of its provisions in 1993. The Colombian Bishops ' Conference spoke against it two weeks later. See also Christianity in Colombia List of Catholic dioceses in Colombia List of South American saints Pan-Amazonian Ecclesial Network (REPAM) Notes Colombia 1508 establishments in the Spanish Empire