Carlos Manuel Rodríguez Santiago was a Puerto Rican layman known for his deep devotion to the Catholic faith and his efforts to promote liturgical renewal. Born on November 22, 1918, in Caguas, Puerto Rico, he was raised in a devout Catholic family. Despite facing chronic health issues throughout his life, he remained passionate about educating others on the richness of the Church’s liturgy, emphasizing active participation in the Eucharist and the importance of the Paschal Mystery. His love for the faith led him to work in Catholic education and campus ministry, inspiring many through his intellect and spiritual insight.

Rodríguez Santiago was particularly influential in advancing the understanding of the Easter Vigil and the importance of celebrating it in its full liturgical form, even before the Second Vatican Council introduced widespread reforms. He shared his knowledge through articles, lectures, and personal mentorship, fostering a movement of young Catholics committed to deeper spiritual formation. Despite never becoming a priest, his work had a lasting impact on the Church in Puerto Rico, and he was known for his joyful, humble nature and unwavering trust in God, even as he battled cancer.

Carlos Manuel Rodríguez Santiago passed away from cancer on July 13, 1963, at the age of 44. His holiness and dedication to the faith were widely recognized, leading to his beatification by Pope John Paul II on April 29, 2001, making him the first Puerto Rican and the first layperson in the Americas to be beatified. He is remembered for his love of the liturgy and his famous motto, "We live for that night," referring to the Easter Vigil, the pinnacle of the Church’s liturgical year.