He was born on May 7, 1942, in Santiago de Cuba to Martin Juantorena and Mercedes Aguilera.
He left Cuba in 1961 after Fidel Castro took over the country. He graduated as an Electrical Engineer in Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, and came to Louisiana to pursue his masters and doctorate degrees in chemical engineering at Louisiana State University where he graduated in 1977.
He worked for the petro-chemical industry for many years until he answered the calling to priesthood.
He pursued his Theology studies in Salamanca, Spain, and Boston, Massachussets, where he was ordained in June, 1998. He came to work for the Diocese of Baton Rouge as the chaplain and director of the Hispanic Apostolate in October 1998, until his retirement in 2011.
Fr. Rafael was the happiest when he was serving and spiritually guiding the community.
He is preceded in death by his parents, and a sister.
Visitation at St. George Church Saturday September 24 from 8 to 10 am. Following mass at 10:00 a.m.
To view and sign the online register book, please visit www.rabenhorst.com
