Carlos was born in Caguas, Puerto Rico. He was the second of five children. Two of his sisters married, while another became a Carmelite nun; his brother became a Benedictine monk. Carlos suffered much as he was growing up: At age 6, both his family's store and home were burned down; at age 9, he contracted an illness when he was bit by a rabid dog who was attacking his cousin; at age 13, Carlos suffered from ulcerative colitis. Despite these trials, Carlos was a joyful young man. He was physically very weak, but spiritually very strong. To approach Carlos Manuel and to getting to know him was as if to approach a light that illuminated one’s perspective of life and its meaning. His glance and smile revealed the certain joy of Easter. An enormous spiritual strength transcended his fragile physical constitution. He frequently served at Mass and loved to play the piano and the organ and to hike in the countryside. Carlos studied at the University of Puerto Rico and there took interest in sharing his faith with fellow students. He began two groups at College: one focused on understanding the liturgy, and the other on Christian Culture. Through all this activity, his health continued to decline. He suffered from cancer and in these days began to doubt God's presence. However, he soon regained his faith and peacefully surrendered his life to God. Carlos Manuel Cecilio Rodriguez Santiago died of cancer July 13, 1963. He is the first blessed of Puerto Rico.