Father Rafael Torres Oliver (1938)

A Legacy of Faith and Social Commitment

Father Rafael Torres Oliver, affectionately known as Felo, was a Puerto Rican priest whose legacy extends beyond the church into social activism, international solidarity, and peaceful resistance. Born in Ponce, he demonstrated a strong missionary calling from a young age, which led him to work not only in Puerto Rico but also in Africa, the Dominican Republic, and Haiti. His pastoral mission went beyond evangelization; Felo lived his faith as an active commitment to the most vulnerable, forming deep bonds with marginalized communities.

His activism led him to participate in various social justice causes, including the fight against the U.S. military presence in Vieques. In 2001, during the peak of this struggle, he joined the civil disobedience movement, resulting in his arrest and imprisonment after refusing to pay bail. His dedication to human rights also materialized through the creation of the War Against Hunger project (REDES), an initiative within the Diocese of Caguas aimed at fighting poverty and fostering solidarity with communities such as Haiti.

Throughout his life, Felo promoted the teachings of the Second Vatican Council and the documents of Medellín and Puebla, working with catechists and parish leaders to cultivate a church deeply committed to social justice. His presence in the Diocese of Caguas left an indelible mark, as he became a fundamental pillar in the spiritual and social formation of his community.

Even in his final days, gravely ill, Felo remained actively involved in acts of resistance and historical remembrance. He was seen bidding farewell to Rafael Cancel Miranda with the Puerto Rican flag held high and sharing moments of reflection with independence leader Oscar López Rivera. His life embodies the words of poet Amado Nervo: “Life, you owe me nothing… life, we are at peace.”

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References:

Catedral de Ponce. (2021, May 24). Comunicado: Padre Rafael “Felo” Torres Oliver. https://www.facebook.com/poncecatedral/photos/comunicado-padre-rafael-felo-torres-oliver/3995844580535903/

• El Visitante PR. (2020, May 24). Padre Felo: Una vida consagrada a la misión. https://www.facebook.com/evprensa/posts/padre-felo-una-vida-consagrada-a-la-misio%CC%81nquinto-de-varios-arti%CC%81culospadre-rafa/3164552013587466/

Millán Ferrer, L. M. (2021, May 25). “Vida nada me debes…vida estamos en Paz”. Claridad. Retrieved from https://claridadpuertorico.com/vida-nada-me-debesvida-estamos-en-paz/