Father Felix Varela

This site is in honor of Father Felix Varela. He was born in Cuba yet has had a significant impact on Cuba, St. Augustine Florida, New York City and the Catholic Church.

He was born in Havana Cuba in 1788. His mother died when he was very young and he then went to live with relatives in St. Augustine. He went to the San Carlos Seminary in Cuba and was ordained in 1811. That same year he became a teacher at St. Carlos, teaching philosophy, science, theology and music. He was well respected and admired for his excellence in education. He was elected to the Cortes Spanish Parliament and advocated independence for Cuba, as well as the abolition of slavery. Jose Marti (the leader of the Cuban independence movement) even credited Varela's ideas as a source for inspiration in the Cuban independence movement. These at the time radical ideas caused him to have to flee to the United States in 1823. He founded the Church of the Transfiguration in Five Points New York. Just as Varela was an immigrant, the church became a welcoming place to Irish and Italian immigrants in the later 1800's. Today the church has hymnals, and pamphlets in English, Spanish and Chinese because it is located in modern day Chinatown in New York. He was appointed the Vicar General of the New York diocese in 1829. Varela continued to serve the community in New York, helping the poor and uneducated. He returned to St. Augustine a few years before his death (due to illness) in 1853.

Felix Varela was known for his progressive ideals; the abolition of slavery, Cuban independence, and equal education for women. He was a celebrated educator and faithful Catholic. His good works are important not only in the United States, but Cuba as well. Today, Father Varela is a beloved figure for Cubans, who have submitted him into canonization to the Pope, who has already named him a "servant of God". If he were to be named a saint he would be the first Cuban saint, which would be a great accomplishment for the Cuban community. While Father Varela has not achieved any extraordinary accomplishments at first glance, his progressive ideals and his high moral conduct make him a heroic figure to Catholics and immigrants, Cubans and Americans alike. His assistance and service for immigrants perhaps stand at the front of his accomplishments and are the reason so many people are able to relate to him. His name and his church are associated with a large number of ethnicities including Cuban, Spanish, Irish, Italian, and in modern times for Chinese as well. This multi-cultural identity is important to Father Varela's place in United States and Catholic history.

This website done by Andrea Hildebrand for Ms. Weaver's Indiana University Catholic History class. 3/7/05

Links to more information on Felix Varela