Pilar and the Waters of Liberty

The mother of acclaimed cellist Pau (Pablo) Casals, Pilar Defilló iAmiguet was born in Mayagüez, Puerto Rico, in 1853 to Catalan parents who had a comfortable position on the island. The family possessed a profound social consciousness and were friends and supporters of Ramón Emeterio betances, Puerto Rican nationalist and absolutist, considered to be the father of the Puerto Rican independence movement. Pilar’s father was a member of “The Secret Abolitionist Society" founded by Betances. The society baptized and emancipated thousands of black slave children. The event, which was known as "aguas de libertad" (waters of liberty), was carried out at the Cathedral of Mayagüez. Through the eyes of Pilar the book explores the work of the absolutists, the social conditions of the time and the contribution of Catalonians to the cause of social justice in 19th century Puerto Rico.  Sample pages (click on images to enlarge):