Blessed Carlos Rodriguez was not a priest, nor was he a religious. Still his cause has been taken on by the laity, especially in his native Puerto Rico. A miraculous cure of a patient with non-Hodgkins malignant lymphoma (1981) has been attributed to him. Still it is not this miracle that is the primary reason for his blessedness.

The hierarchy of the Church as well as those who were close friends with Carlos point to the "everyday deeds" that proved the depth of his faith. The miracle is secondary to the life Carlos lived which from its earliest was rooted in the liturgy.

As a child Carlos played priest with his two sisters serving as "altar boys." He never missed a chance to serve as an altar boy at Mass nor any chance he had to talk with priests and the laity about his hopes that the Mass should be said in the vernacular. This is an exceptional thing for a 13 yr. Old to think prior to Vatican II.

From his experience of the Eucharist Carlos developed his simple yet profound theology which suggested that in sharing a smile or tears with others the laity are sharing the love of Christ with the world. He shared his teachings on liturgy and discipleship with students and teachers at the Catholic University Center, Rio Pedras, Puerto Rico. After a lifetime of service to God in the midst of ongoing illnesses, Carlos died on July 13, 1968.

Related sites:
A profile of our Patron
www.catholic-forum.com/saints/saintc89.htm

Carlos Rodriguez and Eucharistic Holiness
www.dodone.com/0627JN.html