He may have done much of his life’s work elsewhere, but the story of Felix Varela is a source of pride for the Catholic Diocese of St. Augustine.
Varela, a 19th-century Cuban priest who lived in St. Augustine as a child and later retired and was temporarily buried there, is on the road to possible sainthood today with the presentation of an official church document on his life to Victor Galeone, bishop of the diocese.
“Hometown boy makes good” is how Galeone described Varela’s recognition. Although he died 150 years ago, Varela remains a popular figure, Galeone said.
…Varela returned to St. Augustine when his health deteriorated toward the end of his life to escape the cold of New York winters. He died in the city and was buried there until 1911, when his body was returned to Cuba.
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Cool, this is my home diocese and what could be more appropriate for Florida then a possible saint who moved here when they were older.
