Puerto Rico layman could become second black saint from Americas

Last updated on: December 12, 2013 at 7:24 pm by CNA Daily News

Puerto Rico layman could become second black saint from Americas 2013-12-12T19:24:00+00:00 CNA Daily News

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

San Juan, Puerto Rico, Dec 12, 2013 / 12:24 pm (CNA/EWTN News).- Pope Francis has approved the heroic virtues of Servant of God Rafael Cordero Molina, a layman from Puerto Rico who dedicated his life to fighting racism and educating black children.

If canonized, Molina would be the second black layman from the American continent to be made a saint, following St. Martin de Porres.

Molina, whose beatification cause is now moving forward, devoted more than 58 years of his life to teaching. He founded a school to educate children in the principles of the Christian faith and morality.

Born on Oct. 24, 1790, Molina was educated by his parents, as black individuals at the time did not have the right to education and his family could not afford to send him to a school.

In 1810 as an adult, he opened his own school and gave free classes to black children who were unable to pay for a teacher. Eventually, even white families began sending their children to study under him. Some of his students would become leaders of the abolition of slavery in Puerto Rico.

Molina died on July 5, 1868. A few months before his death, he called on the state to complete the education of his last students.

Abbot Oscar Rivera, who is the postulator of Molina's cause for canonization, told CNA that the cause was opened in Puerto Rico in March of 2002.

He said there were some difficulties at first, “because it was believed that Molina was not known for his holiness, but he was.”

In addition, some claimed that “he was more a national hero than a religious person, as the liberal movement portrayed him as a bulwark of the liberal movement and had hidden his religious dimension as a practicing Catholic and catechist,” the abbot explained.

However, in 2009, a Vatican commission confirmed Molina's reputation of holiness and in 2012, it recognized his heroic virtues. Pope Francis approved the heroic virtues on Dec. 9.

Abbot Rivera said the announcement of the Pope’s approval is “very significant as our country is immersed in a crisis, and it is encouraging to know that a man discriminated against because of his race and his poverty, stood out because of his unmeasured commitment to others and his service of love through education.”

In a very racist society, the children educated by Molina “began to dream of a different society,” he explained. “They would later become the national heroes who would teach the people that discrimination against blacks was unjust.”

Moline was also “renowned as a good teacher and father,” Abbot Rivera said, adding that “he was a very good with kids.”

“He was a humble man who had the chance to have wealth and honors, and yet devoted himself in body and soul to the children, his treasure and his love.”

Americas

Previous Post

December 12, 2013

Pope names two new bishops for Mississippi and Texas

Next Post

December 12, 2013 Pope highlights 'joy of the Church' on Twitter anniversary

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Americas Asia - Pacific Europe Middle East - Africa Uncategorized US Vatican

Select a Month November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 August 2017 July 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 March 2017 February 2017 January 2017 December 2016 November 2016 October 2016 September 2016 August 2016 July 2016 June 2016 May 2016 April 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 October 2012 September 2012 August 2012 July 2012 June 2012 May 2012

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz

What was the final plague that led Pharaoh to release the Israelites?

Select your answer to see how you score.

Death of the firstborn Hail Locusts Frogs