Z2701

Padre Fe´ lix Varela

Cuban Catholic Prelate and Independence Leader

Collins Cover Announcement 

Padre Fe´ lix Varela

Born in Havana, the son of a Spanish military officer and a Cuban mother, Varela actually grew up in St. Augustine in Spanish Florida. For his life's work he was destined to become known as the "Cuban Saint." He dedicated his life to the service of others, especially the young, the sick, and the poor.

After being named assistant pastor of St. Peter's Church in New York City, he founded the first Spanish newspaper there and became editor of "The Youth's Friend." He established New York City's orphanages and encouraged youth to pursue knowledge and develop conscience while sustaining religion and morality.

In the cholera epiemic of 1832, he cared for the needy while virtually living with the sick in city hospitals. He organized the New York Catholic Temperance Association and sought to reconcile Irish immigrants with New York Protestants.

I wanted to show Father Varela with a large group of children because that was the area of his greatest passion. While working on the design, I realized that painting time would be greatly increased, so I am adding one dollar to my usual price. This only partly makes up for the additional time needed for each cachet with the large group of children. The finished cover is lovely, and I'm glad that I proceeded with the extremely detailed and time-consuming cachet.

Padre Felix Varela, a true humanitarian, and his beloved children. Item #Z2701. $12.75.