Rafael Cordero y Molina (October 24, 1790 – July 5, 1868), sometimes known as "Maestro Cordero", was a self-educated Puerto Rican who provided free schooling to the children of his city regardless of race or social standing.

In 2003, the Catholic Church began the process of Cordero's beatification. In 2013, Pope Francis recognized him as Venerable.

Early years

Cordero was born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, then part of the Viceroyalty of New Spain, into a low-income family. He was one of three children, born to Lucas Cordero and Rita Molina. His two older sisters were Gregoria and Celestina. His father worked in the tobacco fields, while his mother tended the house. Cordero, who was of African ancestry, was self-educated. His love of literature and his determination to teach others and educate himself helped him develop the skills and preparation to teach primary school. Cordero received the sacrament of Confirmation at the age of 14 from Bishop Juan Alejo de Arizmendi (1760–1814), the first native bishop of the island. He grew up and lived his life as a devout Catholic. In 1802, his older sister Celestina, also a pious Catholic, established a "escuela de amigas" for girls on the island.

Career

In 1826 Cordero established a free school for all the children in his house. He taught children regardless of their race and those who could not afford an education otherwise. There, he taught reading, calligraphy, mathematics, and religious instruction. and a Junior High School in Brooklyn, New York.

In 2003, the Catholic Church, upon the request of the Archbishop of San Juan, Roberto González Nieves, OFM, began the process of Cordero's beatification. On December 9, 2013, Pope Francis advanced the cause for Cordero when he declared that Cordero had practised heroic virtue and has been declared venerable.

<gallery>

Rafael Cordero Graded School.jpg|School named in honor of Rafael Cordero in Cataño

Street sign for Calle Maestro Rafael.jpg|The street sign of Calle Maestro Rafael in San Juan

</gallery>

See also

  • List of Puerto Ricans
  • List of Puerto Ricans of African descent
  • Black history in Puerto Rico

References

Further reading

Cordero's contributions to society have been documented in history books and also in the following books:

  • "In search of maestro Rafael Cordero" (En busca del maestro Rafael Cordero) by Jack Delano - May 1994
  • "Heroes of Puerto Rico" by Jay Nelson Tuck - March 1970
  • Rafael Cordero