Tom Lydon: Padre Félix Varela

Artist: Tom Lydon
1944 -
Nationality: American
Artwork Year: 1997
Image Size: 12 by 14 inches
Overall Size: 15.5 by 19.25 inches
Medium: Chalk on Construction Paper

Félix Francisco José María de la Concepción Varela y Morales was born in Havana, Cuba on November 20, 1788. He became one of the most dedicated benefactors of his time, the list of his accomplishments and charity acts running even longer than his full name. At the renowned Seminary of San Carlos in Havana, youthful Félix Varela demonstrated not only a marked piety but also an impressive proficiency for languages and philosophy. Soon he was ordained a priest. Despite his young age, he was given the chair of philosophy in the college, where he also taught physics, chemistry, Latin and rhetoric. A distinguished professor, Father Varela authored numerous philosophical books as well, including Las Leccións de Filosofía, his most important work. Upon his arrival in New York City in the 1820s, Varela founded nurseries and orphanages for the children of widows and also organized the New York Catholic Temperance Association. An active priest of boundless fervor for helping those in need, he virtually lived in hospitals while caring for victims of an 1832 cholera epidemic. Soon after, he was named vicar general of the New York diocese. Varela founded the first Spanish newspaper in America, publishing articles denouncing human rights violations against minorities, as well as essays on religious tolerance and the vital need for cooperation between English- and Spanish-speaking communities. Father Félix Valera's legacy lives on through two foundations named in his honor that carry on his work today.

This painting originally appeared on the Fleetwood® First Day Cover of the 32¢ Padre Félix Varela stamp issued September 15, 1997.

Artwork Copyright © 1997 Unicover Corporation. All Rights Reserved under United States and international copyright laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, transmit, or otherwise exploit the Artwork in any way. Images of the Artwork may be watermarked and/or digitally watermarked. Any sale of the physical original does not include or convey the Copyright or any right comprised in the copyright.

Our Stock Number (SKU): XB15782

US$ Price: $1,000.00

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