Foreign Languages and Literatures at UAB

Padre Félix Varela: Biographical Sketch
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FÉLIX VARELA y MORALES  was born in Havana, Cuba, on November 20, 1788. As a child he traveled with his grandfather to St. Augustine, Florida, where he distinguished himself at school because of his intelligence and maturity. It was there that he was called to the priesthood. At 23 years of age, he was ordained a Catholic priest in Havana’s Cathedral. He soon gained the admiration and love of many people on account of his exemplary life, his concern for all, and his untiring dedication to learning and education. He won a professorship at the prestigious Seminary of San Carlos in Havana and taught there for 10 years. His encyclopedic knowledge and fluency in at least six languages characterized his teaching efforts for a large number of students in whom he instilled love for God, for their homeland, and for the value of education.

He also inspired his students to seek knowledge and wisdom, teaching them ways to think, and recognizing always their human dignity, and the right all people have to freedom and liberty. Father Varela contributed notably to the advancement of philosophy, languages, and science in Cuba and in the Americas. In 1821, Father Varela was elected to represent Cuba in the Cortes, Spain’s Parliament. While there, he was an advocate for the causes of justice, human dignity, and for the freedom of black slaves.

In December 1823, with the reestablishment of royal absolutism in Spain by King Ferdinand VII, he was forced to go into exile to New York where he proclaimed Cuba’s right to be an independent and sovereign nation. His prophetic speeches and writings awoke the civic conscience of the Cuban people. He became an exemplary priest who for almost 30 years, with remarkable self-sacrifice, served the Italian and Irish immigrants who were continually pouring into New York to escape poverty and hunger in their homelands. He earned the admiration and respect of New York’s faithful and was named Vicar General of the New York Diocese in 1829. He founded several newspapers, including El Amigo de la Juventud, or Youth’s Friend, in 1825. This was probably the first bilingual periodical in New York. He also founded Transfiguration Church in Five Points (now in Chinatown and serving Chinese immigrants) as well as free public schools for the education of boys and girls.

Father Varela’s  priestly ministry was graced with the power to illuminate the intellect and moral conscience of  people. The last three years of his life were marked by sickness, isolation, and poverty, all of which, it is reported, he endured without complaint. Rather, he overcame his pains and sufferings through love and the practice of interior peace. Padre Varela, the pastor of immigrants and the dedicated teacher of youth everywhere, died on February 18, 1853 in Saint Augustine, Florida. Today, his remains lie in the University of Havana, Cuba. In 1985, the Holy See in Rome authorized the Cuban episcopate to initiate the canonical process of sainthood  for the Servant of God, Father FELIX VARELA y MORALES.

Juan M. Navia Ph.D.
UAB Professor Emeritus
October 28, 2005